Leaf Pile Stomp

What you need

• a heap of dry leaves

How to do it

1. Gather a heap of dry leaves into a pile on the grass or path.
2. Run your hands through the pile to check for sticks, stones and anything sharp.
3. Hold your toddler's hand and stomp into the pile together.
4. Kick the leaves, scoop them up and throw them in the air.
5. Try a big loud stomp, then a tiny quiet one, and listen to the crunch.

Why it matters

Stomping, kicking and throwing all in one go gets the whole body moving, and the crunch underfoot is a sound they made themselves.

What they're learning

Leg strength

Lifting a foot high and stamping down works the leg muscles used for climbing and stairs.

Balance

Kicking means standing on one leg for a moment, a big balance job at this age.

Listening

Hearing a loud crunch and a quiet one, made by their own feet, is early noticing of sound.

What to look for

Watch for them stopping to look down at their feet after a crunch, then stomping again to hear it. Stay close and keep leaves out of mouths.

A tip

Dress them in old trousers. Leaves get into every pocket and sock.

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