—12 minOutdoorActive playFree play
Rocket-Turtle Obstacle Run
A short running-path game where your child practises steering around simple obstacles and changing speed on cue, learning to slow, turn, and stop safely in shared spaces with coaching from you.
What you'll need
Essentials
- 2–4 soft obstacles (cushions, pillows, or soft toys)
- a clear space indoors or outdoors
Nice to have
- masking tape/chalk (for a start/stop line)
- two chairs or cones (to make a ‘gate’)
- music (to add a start/stop cue)
Movement level: high
What you'll do
The 4-step guide, with what to look for at each step, is for signed-in parents.
What this develops
- MilestoneRuns around obstaclesBody· 2.7y–3.7y· core
- MilestoneNegotiates space while movingBody· 3.3y–5y· core
- MilestoneMakes sharp turns while runningBody· 3.3y–5y· core
- MilestoneChildren show good control and co-ordination in large and small movements.Body· 3.3y–5y· stretch· Steps 1, 2
- MilestoneStops when instructedHeart· 22mo–3y· core· Step 4
- MilestoneFollows adult safety guidanceHeart· 2.5y–4y· core· Step 4
- MilestoneAdjusts to stated expectationsHeart· 2.5y–3.7y· stretch· Step 2
- MilestoneRuns smoothly without fallingBody· 22mo–3y· stretch· Step 3
What it practices
- Runs skilfully and negotiates space successfully, adjusting speed or direction to avoid obstacles.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Moves freely and with pleasure and confidence in a range of ways, such as slithering, shuffling, rolling, crawling, walking, running, jumping, skipping, sliding and hopping.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Can stand momentarily on one foot when shown.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
Where it comes from
- Source
- Development Matters in the EYFS (DfE, 2012)
- License
- Open Government Licence v3.0
- Attribution
- © Crown Copyright 2012 (Development Matters in the EYFS, DfE) — construct-derived activity authored from enriched DM2012 construct