By Foresee Foundation
National Institute of Arts (NIA) is embarking on a journey to revolutionize primary education in St. Maarten with its innovative “Play & Grow” program. This initiative leverages the power of creative play and theatre to enhance social-emotional learning (SEL) among young learners, while equipping teachers with dynamic, new skills.
The program, which started in August 2024, will continue through June 2025, training educators to integrate SEL-focused activities into their classrooms, fostering essential life skills such as empathy, teamwork, emotional regulation, and resilience. Developed by theatre education expert Loes Nauta, “Play & Grow” seamlessly blends artistic expression with personal development, enabling both students and teachers to grow through play.
At the heart of “Play & Grow” lies the belief that learning thrives when it is experiential and engaging. Participating teachers from the pilot schools – Sister Borgia Primary, Sister Magda Primary, and Sister Regina Primary – will dive into a series of workshops that teach SEL concepts through interactive, theatre-based activities. These sessions will not only prepare educators to lead creative exercises, but also allow them to reflect, adapt, and apply the lessons in real-time, cultivating a collaborative and supportive professional community.
The program is designed to benefit children directly by introducing new methods to build self-awareness, enhance social skills, and develop coping mechanisms. For educators, it represents an opportunity to gain fresh perspectives on classroom management, strengthen communication skills, and enhance their professional confidence. These benefits ripple outward, fostering a more connected and resilient school environment.
It aligns with NIA’s broader mission to use the performing arts as a tool for community development. Beyond classroom benefits, the initiative aims to instil a culture of empathy and resilience in the next generation. By addressing themes such as failure, trust, and emotional regulation, children learn to navigate life’s challenges constructively, setting the foundation for a more compassionate and connected society.
Loes Nauta, the architect of the “Play & Grow” curriculum, brings a wealth of expertise to the program. As a seasoned theatre educator and curriculum developer, her approach emphasizes the transformative power of arts in education. The program’s curriculum ensures that every activity is practical and easy to incorporate into daily lessons, complementing existing SEL initiatives like Zippy & Friends and Apple.
In addition to the workshops, the “Play & Grow” program provides participating teachers with a digital library of activities, creating a sustainable resource to continue fostering SEL development long after the program concludes. By engaging in creative play, children gain the confidence to navigate life’s challenges, transforming classrooms into spaces of emotional growth and academic excellence.
The “Play & Grow” initiative reflects NIA’s commitment to using the arts as a tool for community development. It highlights how non-profit organizations can foster meaningful societal change by empowering educators and equipping students with the skills they need to thrive.
With “Play & Grow”, NIA is planting seeds of creativity and compassion, proving that through play, the entire community can grow.
