Physical Literacy
What is Physical Literacy?
Physical Literacy is the motivation, confidence, physical competence, knowledge and understanding to value and take responsibility for engagement in physical activities for life. (International Physical Literacy Association, 2014)
Why Physical Literacy Important?
Physical Literacy is the development of fundamental movement skills and fundamental sport skills that permit a child to move confidently and with control, in a wide range of physical activities and sport situations that benefit the healthy development of the whole person.
What Physical Literacy gives Children?
Physical Literacy helps children understand physical skills and fitness. · the attitudes and emotions that motivates you to be active · the knowledge and understanding of how, why and when to move, and the social skills to be active with others.
Fundamental Movement Skills (FMS)
Fundamental Movement Skills (FMS) are the building blocks for more intricate and specialized movement skills, with the primary school years being a critical time for children to acquire these abilities. These basic movements, which include running, balancing, catching, jumping, and throwing, follow distinct patterns and are the essential elements for developing and improving advanced sports and movement skills. Furthermore, there is significant evidence that FMS proficiency is associated with various aspects of health-related physical fitness, such as cardiorespiratory endurance, musculoskeletal strength, and body composition. It also provides social and psychological benefits, setting the stage for an active and healthy lifestyle.
Fundamental Sports Skills (FSS)
Fundamental Movement Skills (FMS) are the building blocks for more intricate and specialized movement skills, with the primary school years being a critical time for children to acquire these abilities. These basic movements, which include running, balancing, catching, jumping, and throwing, follow distinct patterns and are the essential elements for developing and improving advanced sports and movement skills. Furthermore, there is significant evidence that FMS proficiency is associated with various aspects of health-related physical fitness, such as cardiorespiratory endurance, musculoskeletal strength, and body composition. It also provides social and psychological benefits, setting the stage for an active and healthy lifestyle.
Four Domains of Physical Literacy
The movement skills and patterns a child develops and how it is applied in various dynamic environments.
A person’s attitude and enthusiasm towards adopting and enjoying physical activity as an integaral part of life.
The way a person behave in different environments and how he take up responsibility to be active for life.
What Physical Literacy gives children?
Physical literacy is the skills, knowledge and behaviours that give us the confidence and motivation to move throughout our lives.
Embracing movement from an early age fosters a lifelong love for physical activity. By nurturing physical literacy, we unlock the potential for a healthier, happier, and more fulfilling life.
Research indicates that without physical literacy, children and youth choose to withdraw from sports and activities during leisure time and engage in un-healthy activities. Therefore, to create an active and healthy population all children need a sound foundation of movement and sport skills to lead an active life later.
How is Physical Literacy developed?
Kids develop physical literacy gradually through a variety of structured and unstructured activities. The nature of these activities changes as kids grow in age and ability. We have to give them a wide range of movement opportunities using different objects and equipment.
Developing physical literacy is an ongoing journey that begins in childhood but continues throughout adulthood. Parents, educators, and communities play a pivotal role in promoting physical literacy among children by providing opportunities for movement and encouraging active play. Schools can integrate physical literacy into the curriculum, ensuring all students acquire the necessary skills and knowledge to lead active lives.
Benefits of Physical Literacy
Every child has the fundamental right to develop physical literacy. It is incumbent upon governments, educators, and parents alike to create nurturing environments and provide ample opportunities that promote the growth of physical literacy in young individuals.
Implementing comprehensive Physical Education programs in schools stands out as the most effective method to cultivate physical literacy among children, equipping them with the skills necessary to lead active and healthy lives.