16mo–2.2y9 minMusicActive playFamily time
Curve and Line Move-Along
A music-and-movement mini session where your child explores 'curvy' and 'straight' shapes with their body and simple household props (scarf, paper, tape lines), linking touch, seeing, and movement to early shape and pattern awareness.
What you'll need
Essentials
- a scarf, tea towel, or soft cloth
- paper and a chunky crayon (or finger for tracing on a surface)
- a small clear space for safe movement
Nice to have
- masking tape to make one straight line and one curved line on the floor (or use string)
- a small pillow/cushion to step over or go around
- music from a phone (optional; you can also clap a beat)
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
- MilestoneCopies simple gestures or actionsMind· 6mo–2.3y· core· Steps 2, 3
- MilestoneFollows visually supported instructionsMind· 8mo–18mo· core· Step 2
- MilestoneProduces controlled varied strokesBody· 2y–3y· stretch· Step 3
- MilestoneCopies movements to musicBody· 18mo–3.3y· stretch
- MilestoneScribbles or makes marksBody· 12mo–22mo· core· Step 3
- MilestoneStops when instructedHeart· 22mo–3y· core· Step 4
- MilestoneMoves to music or rhythmBody· 8mo–18mo· core· Step 4
- MilestoneMoves rhythmically to musicBody· 11mo–23mo· core· Step 4
- MilestoneExpresses self through physical action and sound.Heart· 16mo–2.2y· core
What it practices
Where it comes from
- Source
- Development Matters in the EYFS (DfE, 2012)
- Original guidance
- “Help children use their bodies to explore shape, through touching, seeing and feeling shape in art, music and dance.”
- License
- Open Government Licence v3.0
- Attribution
- © Crown Copyright 2012 (Development Matters in the EYFS, DfE)