According to Canadian Sport for Life, Physical literacy is the cornerstone of both participation and excellence in physical activity and sport. Individuals who are physically literate are more likely to be active for life.
For kids to get physically active, they need to feel confident in activity settings. That confidence stems from having learned fundamental movement skills and fundamental sport skills – physical literacy – as a child. Just as learning the alphabet is necessary to read, the development of fundamental movement skills and fundamental sport skills is critical if children are to feel good about physical activity.
Physical Literacy is the mastering of fundamental movement skills and fundamental sport skills that permit a child to read their environment and make appropriate decisions, allowing them to move confidently and with control in a wide range of physical activity situations. It supports long-term participation and performance to the best of one’s ability. Children should learn fundamental movement skills and fundamental sport skills in each of the four basic environments:
- On the ground – as the basis for most games, sports, dance and physical activities.
- In the water – as the basis for all aquatic activities.
- On snow and ice – as the basis for all winter sliding activities.
- In the air – basis for gymnastics, diving and other aerial activities.
For more information on Physical Literacy: