Encouraging Physical Literacy while practicing Social Distancing
Physical Literacy is a concept that has come to the forefront of child development in recent years and is something that educators and the government have been trying to teach and incorporate into learning for some time now. In this post, we’re going to discuss what encompasses Physical Literacy and outline ways to develop Physical Literacy while practicing Social Isolation.
What is Physical Literacy?
Dating back to 2014, the official definition of Physical Literacy constructed was: “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). In simpler terms, physical literacy is the concept of encouraging an active life for our young leaders. Whether this is through organized sport, simple playtime, routine actions, and other forms of physical education – children are constantly developing skills and components of physical literacy.
Why is Physical Literacy Important?
There are a variety of benefits of strong and developed physical literacy, but they can mainly be subdivided into physical, psychological, social, and cognitive benefits. Physical improvement comes with the development of physical literacy as the body is able to grow and children are able to gain better understandings of motor skills. In terms of psychological benefits, it has been documented that the cultivation of physical literacy also encourages the cultivation of the attitudes and emotions that motivate you to be active. Building up drive and passion, physical literacy empowers children, youth, and everyone else engaged in action. Social benefits of physical literacy include the social skills that develop as children learn to be active with others. Being a part of a team, competing with others, or even practicing physical literacy in the presence of others have social benefits for children.
Cognitive development is the most complex growth that occurs in children with regard to physical literacy. There are three main “executive functions” of the brain that are categorically developed on their own in regards to physical literacy. The first executive function is the “Working Memory”, which consists of the ability to hold information in the mind at the same time. This function is developed through active games that require children to remember rules and obligations while simultaneously participating in active movement. Next, “Cognitive Flexibility” is the second function, which encompasses the ability to switch thoughts from one subject to another. Again, this function is developed through a variety of games and activities in which the participant has to focus on mental aspects of the activity alongside physical movements. The final function, “Self-regulation”, consists of the ability to resist or restrain impulses, and thinking before acting. This function is a huge need for children, youth, and even adults! This function is developed through competitive games or activities that require the ability to inhibit action or weigh options until certain conditions or predictable outcomes become foreseeable.
How Can I Teach Physical Literacy At Home?
Now, more than ever, it is necessary for your child to keep burning energy and to keep up good health! There are five key aspects of physical movement that are recommended to be developed, and these are: catching, jumping, running, throwing, and swimming. Each of these different faculties of movement needs to be developed for a diverse variety of physical activities that become possible through development. For example, giving your child the opportunity to run now, sets them up to have confidence to take part in track and field later on in life. With these skills in mind, there are lots of YouTube tutorials or online workouts made for kids that you can find! Setting aside a moment to go outside onto a balcony or driveway and partaking in such physical activity is going to be beneficial for their growth, and perhaps your own peace of mind! We’ve attached some of our favourite online kids’ lessons below,
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- A Children’s Circuit Workout: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_97QFX3w1E4
- “Disney’s Frozen” themed Yoga: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xlg052EKMtk
- P.E. with Joe: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rz0go1pTda8
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Stay active, stay physical, and stay healthy!
The TTK Team.
To read the full joint report by the Canadian Sport for Life and Canadian Physical Literacy for Life organizations, check out the link below.
https://sportforlife.ca/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/DPL-2_EN_web_November_2019-1.pdf