16mo–2.2y10 minActive playFree playFamily time
My Choice Movement Lab: Try-It Time
A child-led mini movement session where your child experiments with simple household ‘equipment’ and practises the movements they choose, with you keeping it safe and repeatable.
What you'll need
Essentials
- a clear floor space (non-slip if possible)
- 2–4 cushions or pillows
- a rolled towel/blanket (a low ‘log’ to step over)
- a cardboard box or laundry basket (a ‘target’ or ‘tunnel’)
- a large soft ball (or soft toy for gentle kicking)
Nice to have
- masking tape to mark a simple boundary line
- a stable sofa/wall edge for balance support
- a small basket for tidy-up at the end
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
- MilestoneCan select and use activities and resources with help.Heart· 22mo–3y· core· Steps 1, 2
- MilestoneExpresses own preferences and interests.Heart· 22mo–3y· core· Step 1
- MilestoneExperiments with object actionsMind· 8mo–20mo· stretch· Step 3
- MilestoneActs from knowledge of propertiesMind· 16mo–2.3y· core· Step 2
- MilestoneKicks while standing independentlyBody· 15mo–2.3y· stretch
- 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
- MilestoneKicks a ball forwardBody· 2.2y–3y· stretch· Step 3
- 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
- MilestoneRunsBody· 14mo–2.2y· core
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
- “Plan time for children to experiment with equipment and to practise movements they choose.”
- License
- Open Government Licence v3.0
- Attribution
- © Crown Copyright 2012 (Development Matters in the EYFS, DfE)