Background of Cora Merkx

Cora completed the HBO-J programme and subsequently worked for 30 years with adults and children in difficult (parenting) situations. At the end of 2016, she moved into childcare. In addition, she completed various courses in psychological counselling and bodywork and worked as a self-employed professional in her own practice for 15 years.

The method

The activity described in the method literally gets toddlers moving, while playfully offering the four components of movement, grounding, relaxation and breathing.
Using cheerful story cards, a story about the little animals of Peuterbeweging is told to the toddlers. Afterwards, under the guidance of their childcare professional, the toddlers actively experience and act out the story.
The activity has been developed in such a way that little preparation is required from the childcare professional. The implementation is also simple.

When developing the stories, the 10 motor skills (Knowledge Centre for Sport and Physical Activity) and the 4 Ss test (W. van Gelder, H. Stroes, revised 2015) served as guiding principles. This was chosen to create a balanced physical activity tailored to the target group. As a result, the Peuterbeweging method connects with exercise programmes and tests as they are often used in primary education.

The method always works with the same animal characters: parrot, hippopotamus, lion, frog and snake. Each animal has its own qualities and character traits, linked to the four components. The stories are connected to common themes used in childcare.

The Peuterbeweging activity can easily be incorporated into the daily routine at the daycare centre through the method. Peuterbeweging is great fun because the toddlers thoroughly enjoy it. In half an hour, they have released their excess energy, become more relaxed and feel better, both literally and figuratively.

Each story in the method consists of general instructions, ten story cards, instructions for the activity and a cheat sheet to use during the activity. Four themed stories are always compiled in one folder.

The book

The method comes with a book. This book provides the foundation for the Peuterbeweging teaching method.

Five components are important for giving toddlers optimal developmental opportunities and good health:

  • movement
  • grounding
  • relaxation
  • breathing
  • outdoor play

In the busyness of everyday life, we often forget to make space and time for these aspects, which reinforce one another. This book helps you look differently at how to structure the day in childcare, the early years of primary school and at home. Thanks to the clear guidance, childcare professionals, early-years primary school teachers and (grand)parents can support toddlers in what they need, enabling them to grow into healthy adults.

Each chapter contains recognisable examples from practice, simple tips and playful activities that get both toddlers and their parents and carers moving.

Ordering

The book can already be pre-ordered via Peuterbeweging, or you can express your interest by emailing [email protected]. You will then be notified when it can be ordered. From 9 October, the book and method will be available via the Peuterbeweging website and gezondeleefstijlopschool.nl.