16mo–2.2y12 minFree playActive playOutdoor
Big Shapes Adventure: Over, In, Through
A safe, low-height big-movement play setup using household large items (boxes, cushions, and sturdy low steps) to practise climbing, crawling, and whole-body coordination.
What you'll need
Essentials
- 1–2 large cardboard boxes (big enough to sit in or crawl through)
- 2–4 sofa cushions or pillows
- a blanket or towel (to soften and mark the play zone)
Nice to have
- a sturdy low step or footstool (adult-supervised)
- painter tape (to mark a simple path)
Movement level: mild
What you'll do
The 4-step guide, with what to look for at each step, is for signed-in parents.
What this develops
- MilestoneClimbs onto furniture with helpBody· 15mo–2.5y· stretch· Step 3
- MilestoneStoops or squats and stands againBody· 15mo–18mo· core· Step 2
- MilestoneExpresses own preferences and interests.Heart· 22mo–3y· core· Step 4
- MilestoneSingle channelled attention. Can shift to a different task if attention fully obtained – using child’s name helps focus.Mind· 16mo–2.2y· core· Step 4
- MilestoneStops when instructedHeart· 22mo–3y· core· Step 4
- MilestoneRunsBody· 14mo–2.2y· core
What it practices
Where it comes from
- Source
- Development Matters in the EYFS (DfE, 2012)
- Original guidance
- “Provide a range of large play equipment that can be used in different ways, such as boxes, ladders, A-frames and barrels.”
- License
- Open Government Licence v3.0
- Attribution
- © Crown Copyright 2012 (Development Matters in the EYFS, DfE)