Physical Literacy

What is Physical Literacy?

Physical literacy is the motivation and confidence, physical competence, knowledge and understanding to value and take responsibility for engagement in physical activities for life.

It is the product of relationships existing between four interconnected elements that cover various dimensions of human development:

"Motivation and confidence"

This is the idea that it is not just physical being of something but how you feel, your enthusiasm, confidence, etc. It encourages physical activity in subsequent occasions.

"Physical competence"

This is your ability to develop skills. It is also the capacity to use these skills in different durations and context.

"Knowledge and understanding"

This is the ability to identify qualities of movement and understand benefits of an activity and appreciate the features of participating in various settings and environments. It is also the understanding of what you need to do and when, developing appreciation for movement, attaching to a cognitive element of development, and knowing the rules and boundaries.

"Engagement in physical activities for life"

This is the ability to take responsibility in engagement in physical activity. It focuses on motor development and you are freely choosing to participate on a regular basis.

At any given time over someone's physical literacy development, whether they have 0 representation of any one of these elements or full representation, there is still that play where it is not that they do not have it, it is just not being represented.

The primary value of physical literacy is promoting lifelong physical activity

Core Principles of Physical Literacy

Physical Literacy:

Is an inclusive concept accessible to all
Represents a unique journey for each individual
Can be cultivated and enjoyed through a range of experiences in different environments and contexts
Needs to be valued and nurtured throughout life
Contributes to the development of the whole person

Physical Literacy is...

... developed uniquely in each and every individual, regardless of age or ability

... developed as a result of efforts of all those involved in a child's life

... not restricted to a particular movement

... a lifelong process

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