16mo–2.2y9 minFree playFamily timeActive play
Choose-a-Move Lab: Experiment & Repeat
A child-led 16–26 month ‘movement lab’ where you set out a few safe equipment choices and let your child choose movements to practise—stretching and turning, page-turning, and pouring/mark-making—building confidence and fine-motor control through repetition.
What you'll need
Essentials
- 3 small ‘choice spots’ (three cushions, mats, or taped squares)
- a scarf/towel (for stretching/reaching)
- a sturdy board book
- a small cup/jug and a bowl (for pouring)
- paper and chunky crayons or washable markers
Nice to have
- a small basket to keep the items together
- masking tape to hold paper in place
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
- MilestoneCan select and use activities and resources with help.Heart· 22mo–3y· core· Step 1
- 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
- MilestoneExpresses own preferences and interests.Heart· 22mo–3y· core· Step 1
- MilestoneTurns pages one at a timeBody· 2y–2.5y· core· Step 4
- MilestoneIndependent page turningBody· 10mo–22mo· core
- MilestoneUses mark-making toolsBody· 22mo–2.8y· stretch
- MilestoneEnjoys filling and emptying containers.Mind· 8mo–20mo· stretch· Step 3
- MilestoneScribbles or makes marksBody· 12mo–22mo· core· Step 3
- MilestoneGestures wants or needsMind· 10mo–2.3y· stretch· Step 1
What it practices
Where it comes from
- Source
- Development Matters in the EYFS (DfE, 2012)
- Original guidance
- “Plan time for children to experiment with equipment and to practise movements they choose.”
- License
- Open Government Licence v3.0
- Attribution
- © Crown Copyright 2012 (Development Matters in the EYFS, DfE)