Abstract

In response to pandemic-related impacts on children’s wellbeing, the University of Sunderland’s Performing Arts department developed HealthyBods, an interactive outreach initiative designed to promote physical and mental health among primary-age children.
Third-year Performing Arts students toured local Key Stage 1 classrooms, delivering interactive performances addressing healthy eating, sleep hygiene, emotional awareness, hygiene practices, and inclusion. Using dance, poetry, original music, narration, and audience participation, the delivery was tailored to engage five- to seven-year-old children.
Over a two-month tour, students engaged pupils through dynamic theatrical activities, prompting verbal responses, movement-based enactments of health behaviours, and participatory storytelling in school settings. Primary school teachers observed these sessions and provided reflective feedback.
Feedback from both children and teachers was overwhelmingly positive. Pupils actively participated, with smiles, laughter, and vocal engagement during performances. Teachers noted that the performance connected deeply with children, conveying messages around screen use, eating habits, emotional recognition, family dynamics, and peer relationships.