16mo–2.2y10 minFree playFamily timeActive play
Follow-My-Move Trail: Choice Moves + Busy Hands
A short indoor/outdoor mini-trail where your child chooses how to move between two simple stations (book turning and supervised pouring). The adult actively values the movement choices while supporting fine-motor control.
What you'll need
Essentials
- a clear, safe path space (living room, hallway, or patio)
- one sturdy board/picture book
- two unbreakable containers (bowls or tubs)
- a child-safe cup and a small jug/cup for pouring (small amount of water)
- towel for spills
Nice to have
- dry pouring alternative (large pasta shapes) if water is not suitable (close supervision)
- one small basket or bag for carrying the book
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
- MilestoneExpresses own preferences and interests.Heart· 22mo–3y· core· Step 1
- MilestoneDemonstrates sense of self as an individual, e.g. wants to do things independently, says “No” to adult.Heart· 16mo–2.2y· core· Step 1
- MilestoneUnderstands simple questionsMind· 14mo–2.2y· core· Step 1
- MilestoneIndependent page turningBody· 10mo–22mo· core
- MilestoneEnjoys filling and emptying containers.Mind· 8mo–20mo· stretch· Step 4
- MilestoneStops when instructedHeart· 22mo–3y· core· Step 4
- MilestoneAssisted page turningBody· 14mo–2y· core· Step 2
- MilestoneWalks upstairs with supportBody· 18mo–2.3y· stretch
- MilestoneUnderstands no or prohibitive wordsMind· 9mo–18mo· core· Step 4
What it practices
Where it comes from
- Source
- Development Matters in the EYFS (DfE, 2012)
- Original guidance
- “Value the ways children choose to move.”
- License
- Open Government Licence v3.0
- Attribution
- © Crown Copyright 2012 (Development Matters in the EYFS, DfE)