22mo–3y10 minMusicActive playFamily time
Musical Bumps: Move, Stop, Sit
A 22–36 month moving-and-stopping game (musical bumps style) using cushions as safe ‘spots’ so your child practises starting, stopping, and settling their body quickly without rough play or elimination.
What you'll need
Essentials
- a clear floor space
- 3–5 cushions or folded blankets (as safe ‘bump spots’)
- music source (phone/speaker) OR your voice for singing
Nice to have
- masking tape to mark a boundary circle
- a small scarf or tea towel (for a slow ‘float’ movement round)
- a basket to store cushions at the end (transition help)
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· Steps 1, 2, 3, 4
- MilestoneFollows linked routine actionsMind· 18mo–2.3y· stretch· Step 1
- MilestoneMoves from standing into sittingBody· 10mo–22mo· core· Step 2
- MilestoneFollows two spoken directionsMind· 16mo–2.3y· stretch· Step 1
- MilestoneFollows adult safety guidanceHeart· 2.5y–4y· core· Step 4
- MilestoneAdjusts to stated expectationsHeart· 2.5y–3.7y· core· Step 3
- MilestoneStoops or squats and stands againBody· 15mo–18mo· stretch
What it practices
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)