There’s a lot of literary skills we teach our children – reading, writing, numeracy. But one vital area is often overlooked: physical literacy. In this blog we’re covering what physical literacy is, why it’s important, and how to promote it in our kids.
What is physical literacy and why does it matter?
Physical literacy is having the skills, knowledge and behaviours to establish purposeful physical pursuits as an integral part of one’s lifestyle. Encompassing physical, psychological, social and cognitive elements, physical literacy gives us the confidence and motivation to lead active lives and reap the expansive benefits of doing so. These include improved physical and mental wellbeing, increased levels of participation in physical activity, stronger social connections, increased workforce productivity, and future savings to healthcare. Physical literacy is something we should be developing in our children, for the good of them and society as a whole.
Promoting physical literacy in children
As a parent, guardian, teacher or coach, there are many ways you can help the child in your life become more physically literate. From toddler to a teen, here are our top 10 strategies to help children harness the power of movement from an early age.
1. Encourage engagement in a range of activities so they can develop different skills
They say variety is the spice of life, and it certainly is when it comes to building physical literacy. The more physical activities, sports and movement games children are involved in, the more skills they can develop (think running, jumping, kicking, throwing, catching). Together, these create a robust movement toolkit, giving kids the confidence and skills to jump into a variety of sports the older they get and to remain active into their adulthood. Of course, since everyone is different, you can modify activities relevant to their ability – just keep them diverse!
2. Making active play a daily priority
Active play (exploratory movement) is not only fun, but fosters holistic development – helping children build essential physical, social, emotional and intellectual skills. Inviting kids into the wonderful world of movement helps kids establish positive associations with physical activity from a young age, making it the perfect foundation for physical literacy.
3. Teach them to choose movement where they can
Being active is a choice. Teaching your kids to get to destinations by walking, instead of always taking the car, lifts and escalators, will teach them to choose movement time and time again, and avoid slipping into sedentary habits. Whether you go by foot to school, the local shops or park further away from places, this strategy is a winner for promoting physical literacy.
4. Ask what physical activity they want to do to increase motivation
The more excited a kid is about movement, the more likely they are to fully immerse themselves in it and reap the full benefits. So, ask them what they want to do and work out a plan that allows them to engage and embrace the kind of physical activity they’re interested in. As a parent or guardian, this could look like making time on the weekend for their preferred activity or signing them up to a local club they’re eager to join. In a school or coaching setting, this could look like allowing participants to take part in program planning. The key is getting them involved.
5. Focusing on getting involved and having fun
Oh, kids just want to have fun! Setting an example and showing how physical activity is meant to be enjoyed is an excellent way to get kids excited and willing to move, on their own and with others. A must for fostering a lifelong love of moment.
6. Provide opportunities for reflection
Reflection is a powerful tool for development, learning and growth. Following physical activity engagements, taking some time to ask children questions on what they liked about it, how it made them feel (emotionally and physically), what they learnt, any challenges they overcome can help them conjure a positive perspective of movement – promoting physical literacy.
7. Look for activities where your child can make new friends
Physical activity is a prime opportunity to build skills, as well as connections. Engaging children in team-oriented activities that require collaboration and communication can help them foster positive social relationships and ultimately build some solid friendships.
8. Focus on positive social culture
While skill building is an important part of physical literacy, competition and ranking performance isn’t a priority. Rather, it’s positive experiences, interactions and relationships (aka a positive social culture) that make all the difference. Tapping into this will help kids build healthy movement habits that stick!
9. Helping them understand what they are leaning and why it’s important
For children, understanding why physical activity is good for them is just as important as being physically active. Designating time to discuss the pros of movement is an excellent way to strengthen their knowledge and build those positive associations with physical activity that make them want to move.
10. Encouraging them to set and work toward their own goals
Goals can go a long way in bolstering determination and motivation. Encouraging children to set and work towards their own physical activity goals is a solid way to get them dedicated to the process, strengthening their engagement and long-term relationship with movement.
Conclusion
Possessing physical literacy is something that should be on the list of things we teach our kids. By implementing these strategies, we can help our children build the initiative, independence and experience they need to make the decision to move more and sit less now and in the future – helping them lead healthier, happier lives.