Grow & Play
Body · 2–4 years · 8 min

Animal walk

Choose one of six animals, try gentle movements or a seated hand version and make your own little trail.

balancemovement

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NO PREP NEEDED

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before you begin

Ready in one minute

YOU WILL NEED
a clear, non-slip spacea comfortable supported seat for the hand version
THE GROWN-UP'S ROLE

Model one gentle movement. Let your child adapt it, choose a hand version, skip or stop.

THE WHOLE GAME AT A GLANCE
  1. 1Choose an animal and a comfortable version.
  2. 2Make a trail of one to three cards.
  3. 3Try it together and pause whenever you want.
WHAT THIS BUILDS

Copying an animal invites children to notice body position, describe a movement and remember a short order. The hand version offers another way to join in.

made for little hands

Printable activity

A4 · black & white friendly

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slow down & try

How to play

0 / 3 complete
?

ask along the way

Which animal has the funniest walk?

✺

why it helps

Copying an animal invites children to notice body position, describe a movement and remember a short order. The hand version offers another way to join in.

make it fit your child

One game, three levels

Start where it feels comfortable and change the challenge whenever curiosity changes.

MAKE IT EASIER

Try one hand movement while sitting, or let your child choose a card while the grown-up demonstrates.

TRY A NEXT STEP

Let your child choose the order, turn one card over and guess which animal comes next. Keep each movement comfortable.

a little adventure away from the screen

Six animals, many little choices

Read a card, try one comfortable movement together and leave room for your child’s own version.

Bear

Take up to four slow steps, with soft arms in front like bear paws. One step is enough too.

A hand version while sitting

Rest your hands on your lap. Let your fingers take four slow, soft steps.

Ask, then wait How could your bear make a quieter step?

Frog

Keep your feet on the floor. Bend your knees a little and straighten gently, once or twice. No jump is needed.

A hand version while sitting

Let two fingers make tiny frog hops across your lap, then let them rest.

Ask, then wait Where would your little frog stop to rest?

Cat

Reach your arms gently forwards like a waking cat. Stay within a comfortable stretch, then relax.

A hand version while sitting

While sitting comfortably, reach your hands forwards a little and bring them back.

Ask, then wait What changes when your cat stretches very slowly?

Penguin

Take up to four small steps with your arms resting by your sides. Leave plenty of room.

A hand version while sitting

Keep your body comfortable. Move your hands like two small flippers, then rest them.

Ask, then wait Can your penguin make a small movement instead of a big one?

Crab

Try one or two small steps to one side and back. Keep your feet from crossing.

A hand version while sitting

Let both hands slide a little sideways on your lap, then come back to the middle.

Ask, then wait Which way will your crab travel next?

Flamingo

Keep both feet close to the floor. Lift one heel a little and lower it again; hold a grown-up’s hand if helpful.

A hand version while sitting

Keep your legs comfortable. Lift one hand slowly like a wing, then bring it down.

Ask, then wait How slowly can your flamingo lower its wing?

Original animal illustrations. They are characters, not diagrams of body positions.For adults: general guidance on play and following your child’s lead — NHS ↗

a complete play guide

Make the moment meaningful

A simple rhythm for beginning, noticing progress and continuing another day. Animal walk — 8 min.

◷
8 minTOTAL TIME
✓
3CLEAR STEPS
✦
3SKILLS
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1OPEN QUESTION
1
GET READY · 1 min

Gather: a clear, non-slip space, a comfortable supported seat for the hand version.

2
PLAY & EXPLORE · 6 min

Choose an animal and a comfortable version. Make a trail of one to three cards.

3
TALK TOGETHER · 1 min

Which animal has the funniest walk?

skills in this game

What your child practices

◎
balance

Copying an animal invites children to notice body position, describe a movement and remember a short order. The hand version offers another way to join in.

↔
movement

Following the steps connects an idea with an action and a result.

✦
Express

Explaining a choice grows language, confidence and reflection.

notice, do not test

Small signs of growth

These are invitations to notice—not a checklist your child must complete.

Starts one step with less help.

Stays curious after a surprise or tries another way.

Uses a new word, movement or idea to explain a choice.

words that open thinking

Three questions worth waiting for

Tap a question for a gentle follow-up. Ask just one, then leave room for the child's own idea.

NOTICEWhich animal has the funniest walk?

Pause and wait. A child may need several quiet seconds.

COMPAREWhat changed after your try?

Ask: “What helped you notice that?”

IMAGINEWhat would you like to test next?

Let the child choose one small change for the next try.

Choose one question — there is no need to ask all three.

keep curiosity going

Try it a different way tomorrow

◡MAKE IT GENTLER

Try one hand movement while sitting, or let your child choose a card while the grown-up demonstrates.

★LET THE CHILD LEAD

Invite your child to prepare one part, explain the rule and decide when the game is finished.

↗ADD A CHALLENGE

Let your child choose the order, turn one card over and guess which animal comes next. Keep each movement comfortable.

remember the moment

A small note
for next time.

What made your child smile? Keep one thought here for the next play day.

Open the family notebook →
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