5 Practical ideas for physically active play - BHF National Centre ...

Progress in physicaldevelopmentMoving and handling activities that youngchildren of 3–5 years may be able to do are:30–50 months– Move freely and with pleasure and confidencein a range of ways, such as slithering, shuffling,rolling, crawling, walking, running, jumping,skipping, sliding and hopping.– Mount stairs, steps or climbing equipmentusing alternate feet.– Walk downstairs, two feet to each step whilecarrying a small object.– Stand momentarily on one foot when shown.– Run skilfully and negotiate space successfully,adjusting speed or direction to avoid obstacles.– Catch a large ball.– Draw lines and circles using gross motormovements.– Hold pencil between thumb and two fingers,no longer using a whole-hand grasp.40–60+ months– Experiment with different ways of moving.– Jump off an object and land correctly.– Negotiate space successfully when playingracing and chasing games with other children,adjust speed or changing direction to avoidobstacles.– Travel with confidence and skill around,under, over and through balancing andclimbing equipment.– Show increasing control over an object inpushing, patting, throwing, catching orkicking it.– Use simple tools to effect changes to materials.But children develop at their own rate, andin their own ways. This isn’t a definitive list ofdevelopment milestones, and isn’t intended asa checklist for you to assess the young childrenin your care.The above statements have been takenfrom Development Matters in the Early YearsFoundation Stage (EYFS). Not all statements areincluded here. Download at:www.early-education.org.ukSimilar development markers are also available inthe Welsh guidance materials Foundation PhaseChild Development Profile Guidance. Downloadat: www.wales.gov.uk For prompts to encourage running, catching,balancing, throwing, striking and jumping,see skills cards on pages 85–90.82 Early movers – Helping under-5s live active & healthy livesSection 5 – Practical ideas for physically active play 83