Now more than ever, it seems like a good time to get our students to close their eyes and visualise the wider world. If you’re new to visualisations, here are three quick tips before you start:

1. Speak slowly and calmly, pausing to give students time to think between each phrase.
2. Grade your language so that they aren’t distracted by unknown vocabulary.
3. Try to include as many senses as you can.

Here’s an idea for a visualisation with younger learners about playing in the park.

Imagine you’re in the park. Who did you go with? With your mum? Your dad? Your grandparents?

When you walk into the park, what can you see? Are there lots of trees? Is there a big area to play in?

What can you do in the park? Can you play football? Can you climb? Can you run around really fast?

Imagine you sit down in the park. Are you sitting on the ground? What does it feel like? Is there grass? Are there stones?

What’s the weather like in the park you’re in? Is it a hot and sunny day? Or is it cold? What clothes are you wearing? Shorts and a T-shirt? Are you wearing a coat? Look down. What colour are your shoes?

What can you hear in the park? Are there other children playing? Is the park next to the road or is it very quiet?

You spend lots of time playing in the park and now it’s time to go home. How do you feel? Are you tired? Thirsty and ready for a big glass of juice? Are you hungry after running lots?