Competence
Confidence
Knowledge
Motivation
to engage in physical activity for life.
“Physical Literacy is the motivation, confidence, physical competence, knowledge and understanding to value and take responsibility for engagement in physical activities for life.” As defined in Canada’s Physical Literacy Consensus Statement (International Physical Literacy Association, 2014).
Why is it important?
People who are physically literate have the ability to understand, communicate and apply different movements which enables the individual to make healthy lifestyle choices.
Phsyical activity and its associated health benefits are well-known to people involved in public health, education, and sport. While physical inactivity contributes to poor well-being, increased health care costs, reduced quality of life, and shorter life expectancy.
To learn more about the essential components of physical literacy, how to support the development of physical literacy in all stages of life, and learn strategies for delivering coordinated physical literacy programs for Canadians of all ages, genders, ethnicities, and abilities check out this PDF document.
What can we do about it?
- Encourage kids to be active every day
- Introduce fundamental movement skills through games
- Lead by example and participate in physical activity
- Ensure that youth are not specializing in one sport too soon
- Encourage learning and the understanding that it is okay to make mistakes
- Create an environment where participants feel respected by their peers and their leaders