3.3y–5y12 minActive playOutdoorFamily time
Heart & Breath Detectives
A short movement-and-chat routine where you talks with your child about exercise, how it changes the body (heart, breathing, warmth), and how it can help health, while keeping the activity safe and age-appropriate.
What you'll need
Essentials
- a clear space indoors or outdoors
- a cup of water (available after moving)
Nice to have
- music for a short move burst
- paper and crayons to draw ‘body clues’ (heart/breath/sweat)
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
- MilestoneObserves the effects of activity on their bodies.Body· 2.5y–4.2y· core· Step 2
- MilestoneCan tell adults when hungry or tired or when they want to rest or play.Body· 2.5y–4.2y· core· Step 4
- MilestoneUnderstands healthy daily habitsMind· 3.3y–5y· core· Step 3
- MilestoneExplains causesMind· 3.8y–4.6y· core· Step 3
- MilestoneTalks about own interests and ideasMind· 4y–5y· stretch· Step 4
What it practices
- Shows some understanding that good practices with regard to exercise, eating, sleeping and hygiene can contribute to good health.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Shows understanding of the need for safety when tackling new challenges, and considers and manages some risks.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
Where it comes from
- Source
- Development Matters in the EYFS (DfE, 2012)
- Original guidance
- “Promote health awareness by talking with children about exercise, its effect on their bodies and the positive contribution it can make to their health.”
- License
- Open Government Licence v3.0
- Attribution
- © Crown Copyright 2012 (Development Matters in the EYFS, DfE)