Moving and handling prompts This is a useful prompt to ensure that moving and handling is covered and taught effectively towards the 30-50 month age band. www.earlybirdyeducation.com

To develop fine motor skills make sure that there is ample small equipment and one-handed tools available. Make use of the outdoor area and get creative e.g. different sized paint brushes and water, mud painting, different sized chalk. Encourage children to explore with larger equipment e.g. stepping stones, climbing frames, balance beams. Allow them to resolve problems themselves e.g. connecting pieces together. This will enable the children to think critically and assess their own learning in which in turn they can adapt and change. Enable the environment has a variety of small and large scale equipment which is accessible to all learners e.g. hole punchers, large and small pencils, scissors, wooden blocks. The children will then be provided with an environment which promotes and develops independent learners. Moving and Handling • Moves freely and with pleasure and confidence in a range of ways, such a slithering, shuffling, rolling, crawling, walking, running, jumping, skipping, sliding and hopping. • Mounts stairs, steps or climbing equipment using alternate feet. • Walks downstairs, two feet to each step while carrying a small object. • Runs skilfully and negotiates space successfully, adjusting speed or direction to avoid obstacles. • Can stand momentarily on one foot when shown. • Can catch a large ball. • Draws lines and circles using gross motor movements. • Uses one-handed tools and equipment, e.g. makes snips in paper with child scissors. • Holds pencil between thumb and two fingers, no longer using whole-hand grasp. • Holds pencil near point between first two fingers and thumb and uses it with good control. • Can copy some letters, e.g. letters from their name. www.earlybirdyeducation.com