16mo–2.2y10 minFree playChore timeActive play
Bucket Bus: Fill, Tip, Carry
A short carry-and-transfer game using bags, baskets, and buckets to practise steady squatting, lifting, carrying, and moving safely with close adult supervision.
What you'll need
Essentials
- 2 containers (paper bag, basket, or small bucket)
- 8–12 safe carry items (e.g., rolled socks, soft toys, large blocks, plastic cups)
- a towel or blanket (to mark a start and finish spot)
Nice to have
- a laundry basket or cardboard box (as a big drop zone)
- 2 cushions (to create a gentle step-over or around 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
- MilestoneStoops or squats and stands againBody· 15mo–18mo· core
- MilestoneWalks steadily on ordinary groundBody· 16mo–19mo· stretch· Step 3
- MilestoneWalks independentlyBody· 15mo–20mo· stretch
- MilestoneHelps with simple household tasksHeart· 18mo–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· stretch· Step 4
What it practices
Where it comes from
- Source
- Development Matters in the EYFS (DfE, 2012)
- Original guidance
- “Provide items for filling, emptying and carrying, such as small paper carrier bags, baskets and buckets.”
- License
- Open Government Licence v3.0
- Attribution
- © Crown Copyright 2012 (Development Matters in the EYFS, DfE)