The Power of Physical Literacy for Children and Youth

In a world where technology often takes center stage, it's crucial not to overlook the importance of physical literacy in the lives of children and youth. Physical literacy goes beyond basic physical fitness or sports skills. It encompasses the fundamental movement skills, knowledge, confidence, and motivation needed to engage in physical activity throughout life. In this blog post, we explore the significance of physical literacy and its numerous benefits for the holistic development of children and youth.

What is Physical Literacy?

Physical literacy can be defined as the motivation, confidence, physical competence, knowledge and understanding to value and take responsibility for engagement in physical activities for life. (1) It is a multidimensional concept that describes the foundation for a lifelong love of physical activity. It involves acquiring and mastering fundamental movement skills, such as running, jumping, throwing, catching, and balancing. Additionally, it encompasses understanding the principles of fitness, the rules of games and sports, and the ability to make informed decisions about engaging in physical activity.

Physical literacy includes 4 essential and interconnected components that are essential in facilitating & maintaining physical activity behaviour and whose relative importance may change throughout life. These elements are daily behaviour, physical competence, motivation and confidence, knowledge and understanding. (1)

Benefits of Physical Literacy (1-7):

1. Active and Healthy Lifestyle: Physical literacy empowers children and youth to lead active and healthy lifestyles. Children with higher physical literacy scores are more likely to meet daily physical activity and sedentary behaviour recommendations. When individuals possess a wide range of movement skills, they are more likely to participate in various physical activities and sports. Regular physical activity helps maintain a healthy weight, strengthens the cardiovascular system, builds strong bones and muscles, and improves overall physical health.

2. Motor Skill Development: Developing physical literacy during childhood and youth aids in the development of fundamental motor skills. These skills serve as building blocks for more complex movements, enabling children to engage confidently in a wide range of physical activities. Improved motor skills contribute to better coordination, balance, agility, and overall physical competence.

3. Enhanced Cognitive Abilities: Engaging in physical activity through the lens of physical literacy has been linked to enhanced cognitive development. Research suggests that physical activity can improve memory, attention, problem-solving skills, and academic performance. By developing physical literacy, children and youth can sharpen their cognitive abilities and achieve better academic outcomes.

4. Confidence and Self-esteem: Physical literacy plays a vital role in building confidence and self-esteem in children and youth. As they acquire new movement skills, gain knowledge about physical activity, and experience success in various activities, their confidence grows. This newfound confidence extends beyond physical activities and positively impacts other areas of life.

5. Social and Emotional Well-being: Physical literacy promotes social interaction, cooperation, and teamwork. When children and youth engage in physical activities together, they learn to communicate, collaborate, and develop meaningful relationships. Physical activity also releases endorphins, the "feel-good" hormones, reducing stress and promoting positive mental well-being.

6. Lifelong Enjoyment: Physical literacy lays the foundation for a lifelong enjoyment of physical activity. When children and youth have the skills, knowledge, and confidence to participate in a wide range of activities, they are more likely to continue being physically active into adulthood. This sets the stage for a healthier, more fulfilling life, with physical activity as an integral part of their routine.

Promoting Physical Literacy:

To foster physical literacy in children and youth, it is crucial for parents, educators, and community members to create supportive environments. Here are a few strategies:

1. Provide a Variety of Opportunities: Expose children to diverse physical activities and sports to help them explore their interests and develop a wide range of movement skills.

2. Encourage Active Play: Encourage unstructured, imaginative play that allows children to freely move, experiment, and develop their motor skills.

3. Foster Inclusivity: Create inclusive environments where children of all abilities can participate in physical activities and feel valued and supported.

4. Emphasize Fun and Enjoyment: Promote a positive attitude towards physical activity by focusing on fun, enjoyment, and personal growth rather than solely on competition or performance.

5. Role Modeling: Be a positive role model by participating in physical activities yourself and demonstrating the importance of a physically active lifestyle.

Assessing Physical Literacy:

For those wishing to assess the physical literacy of children, there are several assessment tools available.1 For example, the Canadian Assessment of Physical Literacy – Second Edition (CAPL-2) is a comprehensive protocol that can accurately & reliably assess a broad spectrum of skills and abilities that contribute to and characterize the physical literacy of a child.8 CAPL-2 training materials, including manuals, questionnaires, and videos, can be found at the following link: https://www.activehealthykids.org/capl-2-training-materials/

Conclusion

Physical literacy is a vital component of a child's overall development. By fostering physical literacy, we empower children and youth to lead active, healthy lives, develop important motor skills, enhance cognitive abilities, boost confidence and self-esteem, and build strong social connections. Let's prioritize physical literacy and provide the opportunities and support necessary for every child to unlock their full physical potential and enjoy a lifetime of movement and well-being.

References

1. Tremblay, M. S., Costas-Bradstreet, C., Barnes, J. D., Bartlett, B., Dampier, D., Lalonde, C., ... & Yessis, J. (2018). Canada’s physical literacy consensus statement: process and outcome. BMC Public Health, 18(2), 1-18.

2. Cornish, K., Fox, G., Fyfe, T., Koopmans, E., Pousette, A., & Pelletier, C. A. (2020). Understanding physical literacy in the context of health: a rapid scoping review. BMC Public Health, 20, 1-19.

3. Caldwell, H. A., Di Cristofaro, N. A., Cairney, J., Bray, S. R., MacDonald, M. J., & Timmons, B. W. (2020). Physical literacy, physical activity, and health indicators in school-age children. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 17(15), 5367.

4. Belanger, K., Barnes, J. D., Longmuir, P. E., Anderson, K. D., Bruner, B., Copeland, J. L., ... & Tremblay, M. S. (2018). The relationship between physical literacy scores and adherence to Canadian physical activity and sedentary behaviour guidelines. BMC Public Health, 18, 1-9.

5. Lang, J. J., Chaput, J. P., Longmuir, P. E., Barnes, J. D., Belanger, K., Tomkinson, G. R., ... & Tremblay, M. S. (2018). Cardiorespiratory fitness is associated with physical literacy in a large sample of Canadian children aged 8 to 12 years. BMC Public Health, 18(2), 1-13.

6. Saunders, T. J., MacDonald, D. J., Copeland, J. L., Longmuir, P. E., Barnes, J. D., Belanger, K., ... & Tremblay, M. S. (2018). The relationship between sedentary behaviour and physical literacy in Canadian children: a cross-sectional analysis from the RBC-CAPL Learn to Play study. BMC Public Health, 18(2), 1-21.

7. Poitras, V. J., Gray, C. E., Borghese, M. M., Carson, V., Chaput, J. P., Janssen, I., ... & Tremblay, M. S. (2016). Systematic review of the relationships between objectively measured physical activity and health indicators in school-aged children and youth. Applied Physiology, Nutrition, and Metabolism, 41(6), S197-S239.

8. Longmuir, P. E., Gunnell, K. E., Barnes, J. D., Belanger, K., Leduc, G., Woodruff, S. J., & Tremblay, M. S. (2018). Canadian Assessment of Physical Literacy Second Edition: a streamlined assessment of the capacity for physical activity among children 8 to 12 years of age. BMC public health, 18, 1-12.