Physical Literacy
According to the International Physical Literacy Association, physical literacy is defined as the motivation, confidence, physical competence, knowledge and understanding to value and take responsibility for engagement in physical activities for life.
Why is this Important?
Physical literacy is not something you can learn overnight. It is a lifelong endeavour that begins in childhood and becomes more complex as we age. Throughout life, there are different purposes for physical literacy for each individual. Overall, physical literacy is the foundation for a healthy, active lifestyle at all stages of life.
The Elements of Physical Literacy
From Physical Literacy the elements are:
Motivation and Confidence (Affective): refers to an individual's enthusiasm for, enjoyment of, and self-assurance in adopting physical activity as an integral part of life.
Physical Competence (Physical): refers to an individual's ability to develop movement skills and patterns, and the capacity to experience a variety of movement intensities and durations. Enhances physical competence enables an individual to participate in a wide range of physical activities and settings.
Knowledge and Understanding (Cognitive): includes the ability to identify and express the essential qualities that influence movement, understand the health benefits of an active lifestyle and appreciate appropriate safety features associated with physical activity in a variety of settings and physical environments.
Engagement in Physical Activities for Life (Behavioural): refers to an individual taking personal responsibility for physical literacy by freely choosing to be active on a regular basis. This involves prioritizing and sustaining involvement in a range of meaningful and personally challenging activities, as an integral part of one's lifestyle.
