16mo–2.2y10 minActive playFree playFamily time
Move-Your-Way Parade: Child-Led Motion
A child-led movement ‘parade’ where you value and mirror how your child chooses to move (stomp, tiptoe, crawl, run, squat), adding gentle language and safe space so your child feels confident to explore their own movement style.
What you'll need
Essentials
- a clear floor space (indoors or outdoors) with breakables moved away
- 2–4 cushions/pillows (for soft boundaries or a ‘station’)
- one ‘parade prop’ (a scarf, tea towel, or soft toy to carry)
Nice to have
- masking tape/chalk to mark a simple ‘path’ line
- a large soft ball for one kick moment
- a low, stable step (bottom stair or sturdy doorstep) with close supervision
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
- MilestoneCopies simple gestures or actionsMind· 6mo–2.3y· core· Step 2
- MilestoneUnderstands simple spoken instructionsMind· 14mo–18mo· core· Step 1
- MilestoneStoops or squats and stands againBody· 15mo–18mo· stretch
- MilestoneRunsBody· 14mo–2.2y· core
- MilestoneKicks while standing independentlyBody· 15mo–2.3y· stretch
- MilestoneSingle channelled attention. Can shift to a different task if attention fully obtained – using child’s name helps focus.Mind· 16mo–2.2y· stretch· Step 4
- MilestoneShows affection to familiar peopleHeart· 12mo–2y· stretch· Step 4
What it practices
- Runs safely on whole foot.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Squats with steadiness to rest or play with object on the ground, and rises to feet without using hands.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Climbs confidently and is beginning to pull themselves up on nursery play climbing equipment.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Can kick a large ball.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
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)