So far, the Motor Development for Preschools course has been held twice. It has been incredibly rewarding, and the evaluations clearly show that there is a great need for this kind of training. One of the aims is to increase understanding of the important role preschools play today in helping children grow into strong, happy and confident individuals. So much happens during the preschool years that lays the foundation for a child’s self-image and self-esteem. Children need challenges to solve. They also need opportunities to take risks, test their limits and sometimes fail. Preschool teachers need the knowledge and confidence to explain to parents why this matters — and how avoiding one risk may create another. If children are never allowed to test their limits, we may instead increase the risk of passivity, poorer mental well-being and a lack of confidence in their own physical abilities. Creating play environments that meet children’s developmental needs at different ages is fundamental. When the environment provides the right opportunities and challenges, children can become increasingly independent in their play, movement and exploration. The next course will be held on 24 April.
On March 10-11, a course about Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD) was held, bringing together participants from across the country. The course combined both theoretical and practical learning, focusing on how we can support children’s development, help them be understood, and foster a sense of physical self-esteem There were many insightful questions and discussions about motor skills and seeing the whole child. It is well known that DCD is linked to mental health challenges, particularly reduced physical self-esteem. However, today we are also seeing a growing number of children who “develop” DCD and attention disorders early in life—they exhibit passivity from infancy through preschool years. Those with long experience in healthcare and education are witnessing these changes; the classroom looks different today! This calls for a major shift—a structured approach to assessment, intervention, and long-term follow-up. Innovative solutions are needed, and physiotherapists, occupational therapists in school healthcare, and PE teachers as special educators can play a crucial role in addressing these emerging needs.
The motor development of the very youngest is extremely important for the overall development of the child. Motor skills influence cognition and attention. Now, Expo Medica’s full day on motor development is returning. The course takes place in Stockholm on November 30th. At this full-day training, you will learn about current issues and how to support children and parents for a positive development. The newborn period up to 3 months is crucial for a good start and avoiding common issues. The course discusses, for example, WHY tummy time is so important, when it should be initiated, and when head control should be fully programmed.
With reduced impact from Covid-19, we can finally meet and conduct in-person training. Learn to Move has various assignments this fall, including training for Functional Music Therapy in Eskilstuna, for ST doctors in child psychiatry in Nynäshamn, and courses in both DCD and Motor Development through Närhälsan in Gothenburg. In addition to that, teaching on the course in Movement Analysis at the Karolinska Institutet.
The education company Expo Medica is organizing a full-day training for schools, child psychiatry, and child healthcare on DCD in the fall of 2021, where Learn to Move is involved as a lecturer. The need for knowledge about DCD is significant – it fundamentally impacts motor development but also self-esteem, participation in play and recreational activities, as well as learning. The course takes place in Gothenburg on November 10th and in Stockholm on November 17th.
We hope the pandemic is over, and with joy, Learn to Move continues to participate as educators in the Early Childhood Educator Training this fall, focusing on the first three foundational years of a child’s life. The course is held this year in Lund, where Helena Lindfors is responsible for the training. She has written the book “De yngsta barnens läroplan” together with Ann Granberg and Camilla Carlberg. The authors highlight the needs and perspectives of the youngest children and call for a curriculum for the very youngest, as the brain develops significantly and is sensitive during this time. They describe, among other things, how attachment to educators is fundamental for security and trust, both in oneself and in the children. It will be exciting and enjoyable to work together with the education coordinator Helena Lindfors.
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