Time to sound the alarm (clock) on kids’ inactivity

In today’s society, participation in physical activity isn’t very
high on the daily list of priorities, even though we all know the
amazing benefits of heart-pumping activity like increased fitness,
reduced risk of chronic disease, and improved mental health and well-
being.

Even further down the priority list is physical literacy –
the development of the physical skills, confidence, motivation, and
competence to engage in physical activity and sport. It’s a complex
concept, but one that is becoming increasingly more important when we
talk about physical activity.

Here are a few key points about physical literacy: 

Physical literacy is a journey, not a destination.

It’s considered a “cradle to grave” development period – meaning you can
start developing skills in infancy (through play and movement),
continue to develop through childhood (which is a VERY important time to
learn fundamental movement skills such as catching, running, jumping,
swimming, and throwing), and refine through adulthood and the senior
years. In addition, part of the journey involves learning skills in a
variety of environments like on the ground, in the water, on snow and
ice, and in the air.

Physical literacy isn’t just for athletes or sport participation.

It is for everyone – regardless of culture, age, gender, socio-economic
background and physical ability – and the benefits of developing
physical literacy extend beyond being good at sports to being able to
participate in life experiences like playing with your kids at the
playground to climbing a ladder and hammering a nail.

Physical literacy lays the foundation for an active life.

It is considered a gateway to a physically active life – because if you
have confidence in your ability to move you are more likely to
participate in activities that require movement (taking a hike, going
for a swim, joining the office baseball team).

Want to learn more about physical literacy? Check out these resources and articles:

• Active for Life
• Sport For Life’s physical literacy hub
• Physical literacy is a journey not a destination

Brought to you by Participaction. It’s time for Canada to sit less and move more.