8mo–20mo10 minMusicFree playActive play
Rhythm Rover Moves
Use simple music, clapping, and stop/go rhythms to prompt your child to explore whole-body movement (wiggling, crawling, cruising, supported steps) while you stay close and keep the space safe.
What you'll need
Essentials
- phone/speaker for music (or your singing/clapping)
- scarf or tea towel
- two wooden spoons OR two plastic containers for drumming
Nice to have
- a large sealed plastic container as a shaker (no small parts; supervised)
- a couple of cushions to mark a safe play boundary
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
- MilestoneMoves to music or rhythmBody· 8mo–18mo· core· Steps 1, 3
- MilestoneCopies simple gestures or actionsMind· 6mo–2.3y· core· Step 2
- MilestoneCrawls or scoots for floor mobilityBody· 7mo–12mo· core
- MilestoneAssisted walkingBody· 9mo–12mo· core· Step 4
- MilestoneCruises along furnitureBody· 10mo–15mo· core
- MilestoneTurns toward and locates a soundMind· 1mo–11mo· stretch· Step 1
- MilestoneReaches for nearby objectsBody· 4mo–11mo· stretch· Step 2
- MilestoneStands while holding supportBody· 9mo–18mo· core· Step 2
What it practices
- Crawls, bottom shuffles or rolls continuously to move around.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Walks around furniture lifting one foot and stepping sideways (cruising), and walks with one or both hands held by adult.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Takes first few steps independently.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Sits unsupported on the floor.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
Where it comes from
- Source
- Development Matters in the EYFS (DfE, 2012)
- Original guidance
- “Use music to stimulate exploration with rhythmic movements.”
- License
- Open Government Licence v3.0
- Attribution
- © Crown Copyright 2012 (Development Matters in the EYFS, DfE)