8mo–20mo12 minFree playFamily timeChore time
Schema Explorer Trail
An open-ended movement and play set-up that helps you step back safely while your child explores repeating movement patterns (schemas) like transporting, pushing, and dumping.
What you'll need
Essentials
- a laundry basket or sturdy box
- 4–8 safe household objects (e.g., socks, soft balls, plastic containers)
- a clear floor space
Nice to have
- a scarf or tea towel (for pulling/wrapping play)
- a cushion (to mark a ‘drop zone’)
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
- MilestoneDemonstrates sense of self as an individual, e.g. wants to do things independently, says “No” to adult.Heart· 16mo–2.2y· core· Steps 1, 4
- MilestoneEnjoys filling and emptying containers.Mind· 8mo–20mo· stretch· Step 4
- MilestoneUses objects functionallyMind· 10mo–15mo· stretch· Step 3
- MilestonePuts object into containerBody· 9mo–12mo· stretch· Step 1
- MilestoneCrawls or scoots for floor mobilityBody· 7mo–12mo· core
- MilestoneCopies simple gestures or actionsMind· 6mo–2.3y· stretch· Step 3
- MilestoneWalks independentlyBody· 15mo–20mo· stretch
- MilestoneCruises along furnitureBody· 10mo–15mo· stretch
- MilestoneRunsBody· 14mo–2.2y· stretch
What it practices
- Crawls, bottom shuffles or rolls continuously to move around.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Sits unsupported on the floor.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- When sitting, can lean forward to pick up small toys.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
Where it comes from
- Source
- Development Matters in the EYFS (DfE, 2012)
- Original guidance
- “Encourage independence as young children explore particular patterns of movement, sometimes referred to as schemas.”
- License
- Open Government Licence v3.0
- Attribution
- © Crown Copyright 2012 (Development Matters in the EYFS, DfE)