Move & balance

Animal movement choices

Choose a familiar animal and invent a floor-level movement from any comfortable position.

10 minutes

What you'll need

Three large animal pictures, optional

Before you start

Child can walk independently on a clear level surface

Best fit: either · active energy · medium caregiver effort · low mess

How to play

  1. Clear a level space and choose a comfortable seated or standing position.
  2. Choose one familiar animal and suggest a safe movement using any comfortable body part.
  3. Take turns changing or passing, with rest whenever wanted.
Make it easier

Copy one slow seated hand, face or shoulder movement.

Standard

Choose a familiar animal and invent a floor-level movement from any comfortable position.

Extend it

Combine two comfortable movements into a short child-designed sequence.

What you might notice

Notice which movements the child adapts to their own comfort and imagination.

Keep it safe

Use a clear, dry, level floor or ground area away from traffic, stairs, water and hard obstacles. Keep every challenge at floor level, supervise nearby, and let the child slow down or stop.

Why it may be useful

This adds a short burst of active play with room to practise balance, coordination and whole-body movement.

practice guidance

General movement guidance for healthy children; adapt for individual abilities and environments.

Truelove et al. (2017) — Defining and Measuring Active Play Among Young Children: A Systematic Review

Australian Government Department of Health, Disability and Ageing (2026) — Recommendations for infants, toddlers and preschoolers (birth to 5 years)

Raising Children Network (2025) — Toddler play: ideas, games and activities

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