WHY IS IT IMPORTANT?
Physical literacy explained
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. As we move further into a technological world it is crucial we get kids moving early so they can begin to feel competent, confident and motivated to be active for life.
Why is it so important? Studies have shown that Canadian children are achieving relatively low on the Physical Literacy scale. "The results show that on average the total physical literacy score, as well as the Physical Competence, Daily Behaviour, and Motivation and Confidence domains are at the “progressing” level, and only the Knowledge and Understanding domain is at the desired “achieving” level. These overall “low” scores could be due to societal change where, from a young age, children’s free time is more focused on screens than active play. The reduced active play time could influence the scores for overall physical literacy as well as for the Physical Competence, Daily Behaviour, and Motivation and Confidence domains, as children are not developing the skills needed to adequately achieve in these areas" (Tremblay, 2018). The scale shows we are moving less, this is a cause for concern as screen time increases, and play based around movement decreases.
WHY IS IT SO IMPORTANT?
Making Fitness Fun
We want to get all kids out moving using fundamental movement skills such as running, hopping, jumping, throwing and catching. When children learn these skills early it increases their chance in participating in different physical activities, sports, and games throughout their lives. (Tremblay, 2018) Screen time has been linked to lower levels of physical fitness and problems with mental health and social development. Children who spend more time in front of screens tend to have higher obesity rates than children who spend less time in front of screens.
Children and teens who watch more than two hours of TV a day have lower scores of self-esteem and self-worth.
Higher levels of screen time have been linked to lower school performance, partly because children who watch more TV tend to spend less time on homework.
While active video games are advertised as a good way to encourage physical activity, children and teens quickly learn how to play using minimal gestures (for example using wrist movement only). This greatly reduces the amount of movement energy they use.
