Moves whole bodies to sounds they enjoy, such as music or a regular beat.
Observe whether the child: moves whole bodies to sounds they enjoy, such as music or a regular beat.
What it looks like
Three ways this behaviour shows up as a child grows. Each level includes everyday moments to watch for.
Emerging
Just starting
The baby sometimes shows small movements (kicks, arm waves, head turns) when music or a beat starts, but responses are brief or inconsistent. Movement may depend on volume, familiarity, or adult bouncing.
What you might see
A familiar song plays and the baby’s body remains still with no increase in kicking, wriggling, or arm movement.
When an adult claps a steady beat nearby, the baby shows no change in movement or expression.
The baby kicks legs for a moment when music starts, then stops even though the music continues.
The baby moves more only when the adult bounces them, but not when music plays without bouncing.
Expected
On track
The baby often moves their whole body in response to enjoyable sounds (wriggling, kicking, rocking), especially for familiar music or a clear beat. They show more movement when supported (on lap, held) and may quiet when music stops.
What you might see
When a familiar song plays, the baby wriggles, kicks, or waves arms repeatedly for several seconds.
If the music stops, the baby’s movement reduces; when it restarts, movement increases again.
Exceeding
Going further
The baby consistently responds to music/beat with coordinated whole-body movement and shows clear preference (more movement for favourite sounds). They may pause and then resume when the beat returns, indicating attentive listening.
What you might see
The baby rocks or bounces their body in a repeatable pattern when hearing a steady beat.
The baby shows more movement (bigger kicks/wriggles) for one particular song compared with other sounds.
When the beat speeds up, the baby’s movements become quicker; when it slows, movements slow too.
The baby pauses when the music pauses and then resumes moving immediately when it returns, as if expecting it.
Try this at home
Small everyday moments where you can notice this behaviour without setting up anything special.
Music time: play a short familiar song and watch whether your baby increases whole-body movement (kicks, wriggles, arm waves) without you bouncing them.
Mealtime/clean-up: clap a steady beat or tap the table gently; observe whether your baby moves in response (rocking, kicking) and whether it changes when you stop and start.
Bath time: hum the same tune while you pour water; notice whether your baby wiggles or kicks more during the tune than in silence.
Carry/transition: hold your baby securely and sway to a beat; pause suddenly and see whether your baby’s movement changes and then resumes when you start again.
Outdoor: listen to rhythmic sounds (e.g., footsteps, a drum in the park) and observe whether your baby shows increased whole-body movement or excitement.
Connected behaviours
Behaviours that scaffold, follow, or co-emerge with this one.
The framework source and supporting developmental research.
Framework source
Development Matters in the EYFS (2012), Communication and Language: Listening and attention (birth–11 months).
DM2012 includes observable rhythmic movement responses to enjoyable sounds as an indicator of early listening and attention.
Five-level rubric (detailed)ShowHide
The full progression underlying the three levels above. Used by the platform’s reasoning agent when planning activities and observations.
Not Yet
The baby does not show clear body movement changes in response to enjoyable sounds or steady beats. They may remain still or show no consistent pattern when music is played.
A familiar song plays and the baby’s body remains still with no increase in kicking, wriggling, or arm movement.
When an adult claps a steady beat nearby, the baby shows no change in movement or expression.
Emerging
The baby sometimes shows small movements (kicks, arm waves, head turns) when music or a beat starts, but responses are brief or inconsistent. Movement may depend on volume, familiarity, or adult bouncing.
The baby kicks legs for a moment when music starts, then stops even though the music continues.
The baby moves more only when the adult bounces them, but not when music plays without bouncing.
Developing
The baby often moves their whole body in response to enjoyable sounds (wriggling, kicking, rocking), especially for familiar music or a clear beat. They show more movement when supported (on lap, held) and may quiet when music stops.
When a familiar song plays, the baby wriggles, kicks, or waves arms repeatedly for several seconds.
If the music stops, the baby’s movement reduces; when it restarts, movement increases again.
Secure
The baby consistently responds to music/beat with coordinated whole-body movement and shows clear preference (more movement for favourite sounds). They may pause and then resume when the beat returns, indicating attentive listening.
The baby rocks or bounces their body in a repeatable pattern when hearing a steady beat.
The baby shows more movement (bigger kicks/wriggles) for one particular song compared with other sounds.
Reflexive
The baby adapts movements to the rhythm (faster/slower), anticipates repeated parts, and may initiate the game by moving or vocalising when music starts or pauses. They can sustain rhythmic movement across short sequences.
When the beat speeds up, the baby’s movements become quicker; when it slows, movements slow too.
The baby pauses when the music pauses and then resumes moving immediately when it returns, as if expecting it.
