22mo–3y10 minMusicActive playArt
Musical Bumps + Mark Making: Move, Stop, Draw
A toddler-friendly ‘musical bumps’ routine adapted for 1:1 play: your child moves when music plays and stops/sits when it stops, then does a quick mark-making ‘bonus’ (lines/circles) to connect stop-go body control with fine-motor control.
What you'll need
Essentials
- music source (phone/speaker) with an easy pause button
- a clear, safe dance space
- paper (one sheet or a small pad)
- chunky crayons or washable markers
Nice to have
- masking tape to secure paper to the floor/table
- a small scarf for dancing
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
- MilestoneStops when instructedHeart· 22mo–3y· core· Step 1
- MilestoneFollows linked routine actionsMind· 18mo–2.3y· core· Step 1
- MilestoneUses mark-making toolsBody· 22mo–2.8y· core
- MilestoneScribbles or makes marksBody· 12mo–22mo· core· Step 2
- MilestoneCopies a circleBody· 2.2y–4.2y· stretch
- MilestoneGestures wants or needsMind· 10mo–2.3y· stretch· Step 4
- MilestoneCopies simple gestures or actionsMind· 6mo–2.3y· core· Step 3
- MilestoneExpresses own preferences and interests.Heart· 22mo–3y· stretch· Step 4
- MilestoneMoves from standing into sittingBody· 10mo–22mo· stretch· Step 1
What it practices
- Beginning to use three fingers (tripod grip) to hold writing toolsObservable behaviour from Development Matters
- Imitates drawing simple shapes such as circles and lines.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Walks upstairs or downstairs holding onto a rail two feet to a step.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
Where it comes from
- Source
- Development Matters in the EYFS (DfE, 2012)
- Original guidance
- “Plan activities that involve moving and stopping, such as musical bumps.”
- License
- Open Government Licence v3.0
- Attribution
- © Crown Copyright 2012 (Development Matters in the EYFS, DfE)