Why Active Learning is one of the best ways to support Children's Mental Health
Every teacher knows the moment. A pupil who was bright and chatty last week is quiet, distracted or on edge. Another can't settle, however many times you reset the class. The pressure on children's mental health is real, and it lands in primary classrooms every day.
This World Mental Health Day (10 October), we want to share something simple that works: get children moving.
Movement doesn't replace specialist support, and it isn't a silver bullet. But it is one of the most accessible, low-cost and low-stigma ways to support wellbeing for every child in your class, not just the ones you're worried about.
Movement and mood: what's going on?
When children move, their bodies respond. Physical activity is widely linked to better mood, reduced stress and improved sleep, and it gives children a healthy outlet for big feelings they can't always put into words.
That matters in a classroom. A child who feels anxious, restless or overwhelmed often can't access learning until they feel regulated. A few minutes of purposeful movement can help them reset and come back ready to focus.
Why active learning works for wellbeing
Active learning goes beyond a PE lesson or a break in the day. It builds movement into the learning itself, so children are up, moving and engaged while they explore Maths and English. Here's why that supports mental health:
It's inclusive by design. Not every child feels confident at sitting still, putting their hand up or writing at a desk. Movement-based activities give more children a way in, including those who find traditional lessons a struggle.
It builds connection. Partner and group activities get children working together, laughing and supporting one another. Belonging is a cornerstone of wellbeing.
It reduces pressure. When learning feels playful, the fear of getting it wrong shrinks. Children are more willing to have a go, and confidence grows with every attempt.
It helps children regulate. Short movement breaks and active starters give children a positive way to release energy and reset, which is especially valuable after lunch, after a tricky playtime or first thing on a Monday.
It's easy to fit into the day. Teachers are stretched. Active learning works because it doesn't add to the workload. It's a different way of teaching the content you're already covering.
Connecting it to the 5 Ways to Wellbeing
The 5 Ways to Wellbeing (Connect, Be Active, Take Notice, Keep Learning and Give) are a well-known, evidence-informed framework for looking after our mental health. They translate brilliantly into primary classroom life, and active learning touches every one:
- Connect: paired and team-based movement activities build friendships and communication.
- Be Active: the obvious one, but it's powerful. Regular movement is built into lessons rather than squeezed in around them.
- Take Notice: mindful movement and calm, focused activities help children tune in to their bodies and feelings.
- Keep Learning: success in a fun, low-pressure setting builds a positive relationship with learning.
- Give: cooperative challenges encourage kindness, encouragement and helping others succeed.
We've pulled these ideas together into a ready-to-use resource so you can bring the 5 Ways to Wellbeing into your classroom this week.
Supporting wellbeing and making the most of inclusion funding
Schools are increasingly asked to show how they're supporting pupils' wellbeing and inclusion, often with tight budgets. Many schools use inclusion funding to put inclusive, whole-class approaches in place that benefit every child, including those with additional needs or who face barriers to learning.
Active learning can be a strong fit here. It supports pupils who struggle with engagement, concentration or confidence, and it does so within everyday teaching, so the benefit reaches the whole class rather than a small group. If you're thinking about how inclusion funding could be used to support pupil wellbeing, it's well worth exploring how a movement-based approach could form part of your plan.
(Worth checking with your school's SENCo or finance lead on what your own funding can be used for, as this varies by school and setting.)
Small changes, big difference
You don't need to overhaul your timetable. Start small:
- Begin the day with an active starter to help children arrive ready to learn.
- Use a movement break when you notice energy dipping or tension rising.
- Turn a Maths or English task into a partner activity that gets children up and talking.
- Finish the day with something calm and connected to help children leave on a positive note.
Small, regular moments of movement add up. Over time, they help build a classroom culture where wellbeing is part of everyday learning.
Take the next step this World Mental Health Day
Try the free Active Learning Pack. Get our 5 Ways to Wellbeing resource and start bringing movement-based wellbeing into your classroom today.
Book a Discover Teach Active session. Chat with Jon Smedley about how Teach Active can support children's mental health and wellbeing in your school.