Pet Movement Games
Physical development activities build healthy habits, gross motor skills, and body awareness essential for learning.
- Framework: EYFS
- Unit: EYFS Pets
- Learning area: Physical Development
- Level: EYFS Birth-2, 3-4, Reception
Objectives
- Follow simple safety rules during gross motor activities
- Demonstrate increasing physical competency through varied activities
- Understand that physical activity is necessary for healthy living
- Build muscle strength, coordination, and flexibility
Materials
- Open space (indoor or outdoor)
- Balls, hula-hoops, Frisbees, beanbags
- Jump ropes
- Cones for obstacle course
- Parachute
Instructions
Create multiple stations for pet-themed physical activities, rotating children through each experience. Begin with basic locomotor practise (walking, running, hopping, jumping) as children move 'like different animals.' Set up an obstacle course that simulates a pet adventure: jump over a rope like a cat, toss a beanbag into a bucket like a pet playing fetch, do five jumping jacks like an excited puppy, kick a ball into a goal like a playful dog, and zig-zag through cones to the finish line. Incorporate jump rope activities with a rope wiggling along the ground like a snake for children to jump over. Use old pillowcases for sack races and spoon-and-egg (or potato) races for balance challenges. Conclude with indoor parachute play, where children work together to raise and lower the colorful parachute, building cooperation and upper body strength.
Educator tip
Play upbeat music during physical activities and incorporate pet-themed songs for transitions.
Assessment
Observe and note: sustained engagement, sensory responses, early vocalisations, and attachment behaviours. Document using the Characteristics of Effective Learning framework (Playing and Exploring). Observe students' safe participation, developing physical skills, and increasing endurance throughout activities.