June - Imagine This: How Visualisation Can Help Your Young People Shine!

The concept is simple yet powerful: when we visualise an action, whether it's a gymnast practising a flip or a golfer imagining the perfect swing, our brains respond as if we are actually performing that action. This mental rehearsal strengthens neural pathways in our brains, enabling us to perform better when it truly counts.

Sounds beneficial, right? Here’s the exciting part: this technique isn’t limited to sports.

Imagine a student in your class who struggles with a challenging maths problem or becomes flustered during a spelling test. If they take a moment to close their eyes and visualise the steps needed to solve the problem or the letters coming together correctly, they aren’t just daydreaming; they are practising mentally.

Research indicates that combining this type of mental practice with actual practice leads to greater improvements than doing either one alone.

Visualisation is not only about enhancing skills; it also helps children feel more confident and calm under pressure. In one study, participants were asked to imagine wearing warm gloves while their hands were immersed in icy water, and they reported feeling less discomfort. Imagine the positive impact it could have if our students used visualisation to prepare for an exam or presentation by picturing themselves as confident and capable.

And let’s not forget the value of good old-fashioned daydreaming. While it might seem like a distraction, letting our minds wander actually helps with creativity. It’s when we take a break - go for a stroll, listen to music, or just stare out the window - that those brilliant, light-bulb ideas can pop into our heads.

Worried that not every student can conjure up vivid mental pictures? No problem! These skills can be built step by step. Start with simple senses - what something looks, sounds, or feels like - and build from there. Teachers can make this fun and easy by showing pictures, playing sounds, or guiding students through a short imaginative journey.

Fun Ways to Bring Visualisation into the Classroom

Here are some quick and easy ideas to get students using their imaginations in a way that supports their learning and wellbeing:

Imagination Warm-Ups (5 minutes)

Start your lesson with a quick “imagination warm-up.”

How to:
Ask students to close their eyes and picture themselves succeeding at a task they’ll do later in class. For example, “Imagine you’re confidently solving today’s maths puzzle,” or “Picture yourself writing a brilliant first sentence in your story.”

Why it works:
It builds confidence and helps students mentally rehearse the steps they’ll need.

Visualising Calmness Before Challenges

Before a test or a tricky activity, take a moment for guided imagery.

How to:
Invite students to sit comfortably, close their eyes, and imagine themselves feeling calm and focused. You could say: “Picture yourself taking deep breaths, feeling relaxed, and calmly working through each question.”

Why it works:
This helps reduce anxiety and creates a positive mindset before stressful moments.

Daydream Breaks for Creativity

Incorporate short “creative daydream breaks” into your lessons to spark ideas.

How to:
Set a timer for 2–3 minutes and invite students to close their eyes or doodle while letting their minds wander. Suggest a prompt like, “Imagine a new invention that could solve a problem,” or “Picture a character from your story going on an adventure.”

Why it works:
Research shows that daydreaming helps make creative connections and can lead to fresh ideas.

Bringing visualisation into our classrooms is more than just an engaging activity- it’s a simple, proven tool to help students boost their skills, manage stress, and get creative. Whether it’s a few moments of mental rehearsal, a calming visualisation before a test, or a daydream break to spark ideas, we can help our students imagine their way to success.