Seeing your classroom from a new height is the perfect way to develop pupils’ emotional literacy…
Are you looking for a new way to teach perspective taking, one that captures children’s imagination and helps them to understand the concept clearly?
Imagine if your pupils could see their classroom from above. What if you and they could soar high, gaining a whole new perspective on your community and yourselves?
Well, you can, with a trip to the London Eye.
The London Eye isn’t just a tourist attraction; it’s an exciting opportunity for teaching primary pupils about reflection, empathy, and the magic of shared experiences.
When you’re inside a London Eye pod, everything looks different. From the position up high, the world looks smaller, and children can see familiar landmarks in a totally new light.
Because places and people look different from above, the experience can be harnessed to help pupils understand that their own views are just one of many. The physical change in their viewpoint is a fantastic opportunity to help children understand that everyone sees the world a little differently.
As the pod rises, pupils can be encouraged to reflect on how their own feelings about school, friends, or challenges might shift with a change in outlook. It’s a real-life lesson in emotional literacy, brought to life by London’s skyline!
Each London Eye pod is a little community in itself – everyone inside shares the journey, supports each other, and experiences the awe and wonder of the view together. This mirrors the classroom perfectly!
Inside the pods, the views of landmarks can be used to start conversations about belonging and inclusivity. These discussions help children see themselves as valued members of a supportive group.
Nurturing empathy and self-reflection is just as important as teaching English and maths in today’s classroom. When children learn to recognise their feelings and imagine how others might feel, they’re building the foundation for a kinder society.
Mindfulness activities – like pausing at the top of the Eye to notice the city and their emotions – can help pupils develop these vital skills in a meaningful, memorable way.
There are many different activities that could be completed inside a London Eye pod that would encourage children to investigate perspective and self-reflection. Here are two to consider:
- Draw your perspective: After learning about the London Eye, pupils could be asked to draw how the world looks from above and from the ground. They could discuss how their feelings about a problem might change if they see it from a different angle.
- Take a mindful moment: If you can’t visit London, you can take a “virtual ride” using photos or videos. Pause for a minute’s mindfulness, asking your pupils to notice something new about their surroundings or their own feelings.
Explore “How We Feel” with STAEDTLER UK Teachers’ Club and the London Eye
This spring term, there’s an exciting way to bring all these ideas together with STAEDTLER UK Teachers’ Club.
Its Year in the Classroom: 2026 Term Two competition, run in collaboration with the London Eye, is inviting schools to get creative as they explore their feelings about their classroom community and the world around them.
Taking inspiration from the theme “How We Feel”, pupils are tasked with designing their own London Eye pod filled with the people, places and ideas that matter most to them.
It’s a fantastic opportunity for children to reflect and express themselves in words and pictures – and one that allows teachers to weave social-emotional learning (SEL) and art into their curriculum in a natural, joyful way.
Details for entering, along with handy resources and classroom activity packs, are available on the Teachers’ Club website.
It’s a brilliant way to celebrate diversity, encourage self-reflection, and build emotional literacy – with all the London Eye excitement included! There are even fantastic prizes up for grabs, too.
As you prepare lessons for this term, remember that sometimes the simplest tools and experiences can have the biggest impact.
By incorporating adventures such as a trip to the London Eye and creative challenges like STAEDTLER Teachers’ Club’s competition into your planning, you’re helping pupils understand themselves, support each other, and see the world from new heights.
