2.5y–4.2y12 minActive playOutdoorFamily time
Heartbeat Detectives
A short active-play and calm-check routine where you helps your child notice body changes after movement (faster heartbeat, warmer skin, faster breathing) and practise simple self-care responses (water, rest, cool down).
What you'll need
Essentials
- a safe open space (indoors or outdoors) with hazards moved away
- a child-safe drink of water
Nice to have
- a small towel/cloth for a cool-down wipe
- a phone timer (optional)
- a soft ball or scarf for a chasing/throwing game
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· stretch· Step 3
- MilestoneCan tell adults when hungry or tired or when they want to rest or play.Body· 2.5y–4.2y· core· Step 3
- MilestoneBegins self-care independenceBody· 22mo–3y· core
- MilestoneStops when instructedHeart· 22mo–3y· core· Step 1
- MilestoneExpresses own preferences and interests.Heart· 22mo–3y· core· Step 3
- MilestoneAdjusts to stated expectationsHeart· 2.5y–3.7y· core· Step 1
- MilestoneFollows adult safety guidanceHeart· 2.5y–4y· stretch
What it practices
- Observes the effects of activity on their bodies.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Can tell adults when hungry or tired or when they want to rest or play.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Understands that equipment and tools have to be used safely.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Can usually manage washing and drying hands.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Gains more bowel and bladder control and can attend to toileting needs most of the time themselves.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
Where it comes from
- Source
- Development Matters in the EYFS (DfE, 2012)
- Original guidance
- “Encourage children to notice the changes in their bodies after exercise, such as their heart beating faster.”
- License
- Open Government Licence v3.0
- Attribution
- © Crown Copyright 2012 (Development Matters in the EYFS, DfE)