Eight teachers from eight different primary schools in St. Maarten took part last week in a training designed to help children between two and six years old learn through movement. In photo: A snapshot during the training. Story on page .
PHILIPSBURG--Eight teachers from eight different primary schools in St. Maarten took part last week in a training on “Miffy Moves”, a programme designed to help children between two and six years old learn through movement.
The course was offered by EGO Foundation as part of the healthy schools and communities programme, in collaboration with JOGG Netherlands, Collective Prevention Services (CPS), as well as the Department of Sport, and the Ministry of Education, Culture, Youth and Sport (ECYS) Public Education Division.
According to EGO Foundation, the training marks the first concrete intervention based on data collected last year through the BLOC Test, which assessed the movement skills of children across the country.
“We now know, based on our own data, where we need to invest,” said project leader Juriaan Otto. “This training is the first step in turning those insights into real action.”
During the morning session, participants explored the role of physical activity in early childhood development. Movement, the trainer emphasised, is just as essential as learning to read or count.
According to EGO Foundation, this is supported by the work of neuropsychologist Professor Erik Scherder, whose research shows that physical activity strengthens brain functions critical for math, learning, memory and concentration. Even simple movement activities carried out inside the classroom can significantly boost children’s motor skills, social skills, and overall learning performance.
In the afternoon, the group moved from theory to practice, working directly with a group of young children to apply what they had learned.
According to Otto, the Miffy Moves training is only the beginning.
“Step by step, we are acting on the data. We know which age groups and schools need extra attention. The next intervention is already planned for the end of this month,” he said.
