3.3y–5y10 minActive playQuiet timeFamily time
After-Move Body Check-In Talk
A simple plan-and-practice routine where you creates a clear opportunity after exercise for your child to talk about how their body feels, using a short ‘body scan’ and child-friendly feeling words.
What you'll need
Essentials
- a clear space for a short movement burst
- a sit-down spot for the check-in (chair/sofa/cushion)
Nice to have
- paper and crayons to draw ‘body feeling’ icons (heart, lungs, sweat, tired legs)
- a drink of water to offer after talking
Movement level: low
What you'll do
The 4-step guide, with what to look for at each step, is for signed-in parents.
What this develops
- MilestoneObserves the effects of activity on their bodies.Body· 2.5y–4.2y· core· Step 2
- MilestoneCan tell adults when hungry or tired or when they want to rest or play.Body· 2.5y–4.2y· core· Steps 2, 4
- MilestoneUnderstands healthy daily habitsMind· 3.3y–5y· stretch· Step 4
- MilestoneReceptive opposite understandingMind· 4y–5y· stretch· Step 2
- MilestoneSettles after excitementHeart· 4y–6y· stretch· Step 1
- MilestoneAdjusts to stated expectationsHeart· 2.5y–3.7y· core· Step 1
- MilestoneTalks about own interests and ideasMind· 4y–5y· stretch
- MilestoneShows object-function knowledgeMind· 2.7y–5y· stretch· Step 4
What it practices
- Shows some understanding that good practices with regard to exercise, eating, sleeping and hygiene can contribute to good health.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Shows understanding of the need for safety when tackling new challenges, and considers and manages some risks.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
Where it comes from
- Source
- Development Matters in the EYFS (DfE, 2012)
- Original guidance
- “Plan opportunities, particularly after exercise, for children to talk about how their bodies feel.”
- License
- Open Government Licence v3.0
- Attribution
- © Crown Copyright 2012 (Development Matters in the EYFS, DfE)