3.3y–5y10 minActive playOutdoorFamily time
Daily Energy Burst Circuit
A repeatable 10-minute energetic play routine that builds confidence and variety in movement using simple home obstacles and child-led choices.
What you'll need
Essentials
- open space indoors or outdoors
- 2 chairs or sturdy stools (for crawling under/going around)
- 3–6 cushions or towels (as soft obstacles)
Nice to have
- masking tape (to make a balance line)
- timer or music (for start/stop cues)
- a soft ball
Movement level: high
What you'll do
The 5-step guide, with what to look for at each step, is for signed-in parents.
What this develops
- MilestoneExperiments with different ways of moving.Body· 3.3y–5y· core· Step 2
- MilestoneNegotiates space while movingBody· 3.3y–5y· core
- MilestoneJumps down from a raised objectBody· 3.2y–4.2y· stretch· Step 4
- MilestoneRuns around obstaclesBody· 2.7y–3.7y· core
- MilestoneAdjusts to stated expectationsHeart· 2.5y–3.7y· core· Step 4
- MilestoneAttends in adult-led groupMind· 2.8y–5y· stretch· Step 1
- MilestoneMakes sharp turns while runningBody· 3.3y–5y· stretch
- MilestoneTalks about own interests and ideasMind· 4y–5y· core· Step 5
What it practices
- Experiments with different ways of moving.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Travels with confidence and skill around, under, over and through balancing and climbing equipment.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Jumps off an object and lands appropriately.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
Where it comes from
- Source
- Development Matters in the EYFS (DfE, 2012)
- Original guidance
- “Provide time and space to enjoy energetic play daily.”
- License
- Open Government Licence v3.0
- Attribution
- © Crown Copyright 2012 (Development Matters in the EYFS, DfE)