8mo–20mo9 minActive playFree playFamily time
Zoom & Pause: Clear-Space Movement Game
A safety-first movement routine for 8–20 months where the adult anticipates fast, unpredictable movement by clearing hazards and then playing a simple ‘go / pause / change direction’ game that builds body control and hand use (carry, release, and steadying).
What you'll need
Essentials
- a clear floor space (indoors or a safe outdoor spot)
- 2 towels/blankets or cushions to mark ‘base A’ and ‘base B’
- one safe item to carry (soft toy, small cushion, or lightweight ball)
Nice to have
- masking tape to mark a boundary line
- a laundry basket or box as a ‘drop zone’ for the carried item
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
- MilestoneFollows visually supported instructionsMind· 8mo–18mo· core· Step 4
- MilestoneCrawls or scoots for floor mobilityBody· 7mo–12mo· stretch· Step 2
- MilestonePuts object into containerBody· 9mo–12mo· core· Step 3
- MilestoneFollows visually supported requestsMind· 12mo–15mo· core· Step 4
- MilestoneUnderstands simple spoken instructionsMind· 14mo–18mo· core· Step 2
- MilestoneFollows unsupported spoken requestsMind· 12mo–15mo· core· Step 2
- MilestoneUnderstands no or prohibitive wordsMind· 9mo–18mo· core· Step 4
- MilestoneTransfers object between handsBody· 6mo–12mo· core· Step 3
What it practices
- Pulls to standing, holding on to furniture or person for support.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Holds an object in each hand and brings them together in the middle, e.g. holds two blocks and bangs them together.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Picks up small objects between thumb and fingers.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
Where it comes from
- Source
- Development Matters in the EYFS (DfE, 2012)
- Original guidance
- “Anticipate young children’s exuberance and ensure the space is clear and suitable for their rapid and sometimes unpredictable movements.”
- License
- Open Government Licence v3.0
- Attribution
- © Crown Copyright 2012 (Development Matters in the EYFS, DfE)