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Positions for play  

You can use different positions during floor play to help your child get involved in the activities.• Side sitting 

• Kneeling on all fours 

• Kneeling on two legs 

• Standing  

• Cross legged: During floor time, encourage the child to sit cross legged.  

Side sitting  

Side-sitting is important for developing control of turning the body. This is needed for crawling and walking. 

  • Gently turn one of their legs so both knees point to the same side.  

  • With their hand on that side supporting them, help them reach forward and across their body. 

  • As they get better, move on to having both hands on the floor on the same side. 

4 point kneeling 

Infant playing on all fours This is a great position for play and encourages a range of core muscle development.  

  • ​Support your child to position themselves on all fours with their hips over their knees and their shoulders over their hands. 

  • Elbows should be straight but not locked 

  • Head should be horizontal 

  • This is great for completing puzzles, board games or looking at picture books.  

Kneeling 

child playing in kneeling position Kneeling can be used in lots of different play activities and works well in many settings. 

Here are some ideas for playful kneeling positions:  

  • Kneeling obstacle course: Set up an obstacle course that encourages your child to kneel and move through it. This can help strengthen their stomach muscles, build gross motor skills, and improve coordination. 

  • Playing volleyball with a balloon 

  • Kneeling whilst reaching and playing with toys at different surface heights. 

  • Transitional play: Put out toys that your child needs to move or handle, like toy cars. This encourages them to move into a kneeling position as they reach and play.  

Standing 

boy standing and playing Standing helps make your child’s hips and knees stronger and gives them new  visual, sensory and social experiences.  

  • This can be done freestanding or using a supportive surface behind them, such as against a chair / sofa or table. 

  • Encourage your child to stand with their hips and knees straight, but not locked, so they can move easily. 

  • Make sure their feet are flat on the floor, a little apart, with their toes pointing forward or slightly outwards. 

  • Check often to be sure their heels stay down on the floor. 

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