WHAT IS PHYSICAL LITERACY?
Physically literate, seriously? I know what many of you are thinking...this terminology is just the next big thing to come down the educational pipeline...and I'd dare to venture that the majority of parents out there have the sentiment of, "it's just gym." Well, let's face it, physical education has changed dramatically since you and I were kids. And I believe it is for the better! It is not the subject of old - dominated by athletes and centered around sports. We don't play dodgeball the majority of classes or let captains pick teams. Kids don't stand around in long lines waiting for turns with limited equipment. We don't put students on display to embarrass or humiliate lesser skilled movers and we don't just "play games all day." And to be honest, gym is not the subject I teach, instead it's the location where many of my physical education classes take place. PHYSICAL LITERACY: Individuals who are physically literate move with competence and confidence in a wide variety of physical activities in multiple environments that benefit the healthy development of the whole person.
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WHY IS PHYSICAL LITERACY IMPORTANT?
Research has shown that being physically active later in life depends on an individual's ability to feel confident in an activity setting. That confidence most often comes from having learned fundamental movement and sport skills, or physical literacy, as a child. Research has also shown that without the development of physical literacy, many children and youth withdraw from physical activity and sport and turn to more inactive and/or unhealthy choices during their leisure time. (PHE Canada and Canadian Sport for Life) SO... HOW CAN WE (School + Home) HELP YOUR CHILD BECOME MORE "PHYSICALLY LITERATE"? They will be working toward that ultimate goal to the best of their potential while they are with me in P.E. Meanwhile, it will be up to you as parents to help them engage in active pursuits outside of the school day whether that is a planned family activity, an organized sport, or providing opportunities for "free play" outdoors. All of these active experiences will help guide your child towards physical endeavors in which they find enjoyment. It is this love of moving which you and I will work together to instill in your children.
Is your child physically literate? Try out this simple 9 item physical literacy assessment to find out: Physical Literacy Assessment |