Mimic the Monkey Movement & Learning Activity Early Years

Mimic the Monkey is a fun, interactive movement activity for young children that develops physical skills, coordination, spatial awareness and learning through play.

Children are encouraged to observe, think and copy different positions made by a toy monkey. This simple yet engaging activity supports a wide range of learning and developmental skills while encouraging children to move, explore and have fun.

What is included?

This beautifully illustrated 11 page resource provides clear guidance on how to introduce and deliver the activity, with colourful photographs and child friendly instructions.

Discover six different monkey positions for children to copy, including star shape, arms up, one arm out, legs apart, curled up and side shape.

Detailed information explains how the activity supports physical development, spatial awareness, observation, imitation, memory, sequencing, executive function, communication, social skills, independence, creativity, emotional development and wellbeing.

Observation and Assessment

Includes two practical observation sheets for recording children’s engagement, achievements, areas of development and possible next steps.

The whole class observation sheet supports group assessment, while the individual child observation sheet allows practitioners to document each child’s learning and progress.

Curriculum Links

The resource includes dedicated curriculum guidance showing how the activity supports learning across the Early Years Foundation Stage in England, Curriculum for Excellence in Scotland and the Welsh Early Years Curriculum.

These connections help practitioners recognise and document the valuable learning taking place through a simple movement activity.

Flexible and Inclusive

Mimic the Monkey can be enjoyed individually, in pairs or as a group, making it suitable for nurseries, preschools, early years settings and home learning.

The activity can be adapted to suit different ages, abilities and developmental stages, allowing children to participate at their own pace.

Safety guidance and practical tips are also included to support confident delivery.

A playful, purposeful activity that brings movement, observation and learning together.