This Design and technology video supports teachers in guiding pupils through the early stages of creating pull-along toys that move using axles and wheels. It introduces how wheels and axles help objects move and models the steps for building a simple base using templates and everyday classroom materials.

The video demonstrates how to help children practise cutting skills by starting with a 20-sided shape, before assembling and testing their toy’s wheels. It shows how to puncture holes safely, attach axles securely and identify common problems such as sliding wheels, wobbling or poor rotation.

This resource helps teachers support pupils in observing, testing and improving their structures before designing and making their final pull-along toys later in the unit.

• Design and technology, Year 1, Mechanisms: Wheels and axles.