8mo–20mo8 minFree playFamily time
Crawl-On Mark Mat
Set up a big sheet on the floor so your child can be near, reach, and crawl onto it to make marks, while the adult narrates the effects of movement and keeps everything safe for an 8–20 month child.
What you'll need
Essentials
- a big sheet of paper OR a big sheet of plastic (e.g., tablecloth or cut-open bag) placed on the floor
- something to hold edges down (masking tape or heavy books at the corners)
- a safe mark-making option: chunky non-toxic washable crayons (only if not mouthing) OR a sealed zip bag with a little coloured yogurt/puree inside for squishing
Nice to have
- a towel or wipes for clean-up
- a simple rhyme/song you can repeat
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
- MilestoneMakes connections between their movement and the marks they make.Body· 8mo–20mo· stretch· Step 2
- MilestoneShows interest in making marksMind· 10mo–18mo· core
- MilestoneRepeats actions that have an effect, e.g. kicking or hitting a mobile or shaking a rattle.Mind· 0mo–11mo· core· Step 2
- MilestoneCrawls or scoots for floor mobilityBody· 7mo–12mo· stretch· Step 1
- MilestoneReaches for nearby objectsBody· 4mo–11mo· stretch· Step 1
- MilestoneListens to and enjoys rhythmic patterns in rhymes and stories.Mind· 8mo–20mo· stretch· Step 3
- MilestoneMoves to music or rhythmBody· 8mo–18mo· stretch· Step 3
- MilestoneCopies simple gestures or actionsMind· 6mo–2.3y· stretch
- MilestoneParticipates in songs and rhymesMind· 14mo–2.3y· stretch· Step 3
What it practices
Where it comes from
- Source
- Development Matters in the EYFS (DfE, 2012)
- Original guidance
- “Place big sheets of plastic or paper on the floor so that babies can be near or crawl on to it to make marks.”
- License
- Open Government Licence v3.0
- Attribution
- © Crown Copyright 2012 (Development Matters in the EYFS, DfE)