3.3y–5y10 minOutdoorSocial playActive play
Roll & Return Team Game
A short partner game that builds collaboration through ready signals, turn-taking, rolling/throwing gently, fetching, and receiving—usable with a sibling/friend or with the adult as the teammate.
What you'll need
Essentials
- a soft ball (or 2–3 rolled-up socks)
- a laundry basket or box (as a target)
- a blanket/tape line to mark where each player stands/sits
Nice to have
- a stuffed animal to be the ‘coach’ (for turn-taking prompts)
- paper and marker to make a quick ‘READY’ sign
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
- MilestoneCooperative turn-taking play with peersHeart· 4y–5y· stretch· Step 1
- MilestoneCooperates and shares with peersHeart· 3y–5y· stretch· Step 2
- MilestoneShows increasing control over an object in pushing, patting, throwing, catching or kicking it.Body· 3.3y–5y· core· Step 3
- MilestoneCooperative peer playHeart· 2.7y–3.8y· stretch· Steps 2, 4
- MilestoneWaits for needs or turnsHeart· 2.5y–5y· core· Step 1
- MilestoneCatches a large thrown ballBody· 2.7y–3.8y· stretch· Step 3
- MilestoneFollows instructions with several steps or actionsMind· 3.3y–4y· stretch· Step 2
- MilestoneDemonstrates friendly behaviour, initiating conversations and forming good relationships with peers and familiar adults.Heart· 2.5y–4.2y· stretch· Step 4
- MilestoneTakes turns in simple games with adult supportHeart· 20mo–3.3y· core· Step 1
- MilestoneSeeks play with other childrenHeart· 3y–4y· core· Step 4
What it practices
Where it comes from
- Source
- Development Matters in the EYFS (DfE, 2012)
- Original guidance
- “Show children how to collaborate in throwing, rolling, fetching and receiving games, encouraging children to play with one another once their skills are sufficient.”
- License
- Open Government Licence v3.0
- Attribution
- © Crown Copyright 2012 (Development Matters in the EYFS, DfE)