@helenbattelley: A child crawling through a tunnel, carrying a basket across the room or trying to balance on an uneven surface might look like ordinary play. But when we understand the physical development happening within these experiences, we begin to see just how valuable they can be. 💛 Why encourage children to crawl through tunnels? Because crawling provides opportunities to develop coordination, shoulder stability, spatial awareness and an understanding of how their bodies move through different spaces. 💙 Why encourage children to carry objects of different shapes and sizes? Because lifting, gripping and transporting objects allows children to explore balance, strength, coordination and how to adapt their movements depending on what they’re carrying. 💛 Why create opportunities for climbing and balancing Because negotiating different heights, surfaces and obstacles encourages children to explore their capabilities, develop body awareness, make decisions and build confidence in their movements. And here’s something worth remembering… the same experience won’t look the same for every child. One child might be exploring a movement for the first time, while another is refining a skill they’ve practised many times before. Both are learning, and both deserve opportunities to explore at their own pace. That’s why understanding the WHY behind movement matters. It helps us observe more carefully, recognise what children are working towards and create environments that respond to their individual development. Our Playthings Movement Cards offer 50 illustrated prompts across Baby Movers, Early Walkers and Confident Walkers, helping Early Years Educators create purposeful opportunities for movement without complicated planning or elaborate equipment. The cards provide the inspiration; your understanding of the children brings the opportunities to life. 💛 👉 Explore the Playthings Movement Cards through the link in my bio. #EarlyYears #EYFS #PhysicalDevelopment #LearningThroughPlay #MovementMatters EarlyYearsEducators

Helen Battelley

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Region: US

Thursday 29 October 2026 16:51:22 GMT