16mo–2.2y9 minActive playQuiet timeFamily time
Stretch, Curl, Twist: Story Shapes
A short ‘story shapes’ movement routine where your child practices body tension activities—stretching, reaching, curling, twisting, and turning—building strength, balance, and controlled movement through playful imagination.
What you'll need
Essentials
- a clear floor space with a mat/blanket
- a soft toy (the ‘story character’)
- a wall or sofa edge nearby (optional for balance support)
Nice to have
- a cushion to ‘curl up’ on
- a 30-second timer (phone) for short holds
Movement level: low
What you'll do
The 4-step guide, with what to look for at each step, is for signed-in parents.
What this develops
- MilestoneCopies simple gestures or actionsMind· 6mo–2.3y· core· Steps 1, 2
- MilestoneFollows visually supported instructionsMind· 8mo–18mo· core· Steps 1, 2, 3
- MilestoneStops when instructedHeart· 22mo–3y· core· Step 4
- MilestoneSingle channelled attention. Can shift to a different task if attention fully obtained – using child’s name helps focus.Mind· 16mo–2.2y· core· Step 4
- MilestoneFollows two spoken directionsMind· 16mo–2.3y· core· Step 4
- MilestoneStands while holding supportBody· 9mo–18mo· stretch· Step 1
- MilestoneRunsBody· 14mo–2.2y· stretch
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
- “Encourage body tension activities such as stretching, reaching, curling, twisting and turning.”
- License
- Open Government Licence v3.0
- Attribution
- © Crown Copyright 2012 (Development Matters in the EYFS, DfE)