A Few Words on Physical Literacy

Literacy /ˈlɪtərəsi/ (noun): the ability to read and write. It sounds simple, but we know that it isn’t. Language has complexities and depth that extend far beyond the ability to read and write. An English teacher wouldn’t teach the alphabet to a six-year-old and then expect that very same six-year-old to compose the next literary masterpiece. Physical Literacy is likewise nuanced.

Quality physical literacy is a cycle consisting of four continuous elements. It begins when we learn a new skill; as we perform and practice the skill, we gain competence. 

As we become competent, it leads to more confidence in that skill. The more confident we are at the skill, the more motivated we are to perform the skill. The more motivation we have, the more likely we are to participate. The more we participate the more we become competent... and the cycle continues. The truth about Physical Literacy is that it is a life long journey, not a destination. 
When we participate in a Physical Education lesson, when we learn a new skill, or even when we play a game we are taking steps on that life long journey. My primary goal as a physical educator is to increase the physical literacy of my students. Increasing the students physical literacy in turn increases their competence, confidence, and motivation, ultimately leading to a lifetime of physical activity. 

If you watched the video above then you likely have a strong grasp as to what it means to become physically literate; if you are still unsure, let me clarify it with a little analogy. 

Imagine I give you a gift of legos: four purple lego blocks to be exact. Not much of a gift, right? Most likely these lonely little pieces will end up swallowed by a vacuum cleaner, or worse, left on the carpet by your bed for you to step on in the middle 
of the night. Now imagine that instead of four purple lego blocks, I give you a variety of lego blocks in a multitude of colors and shapes. That is a more useful gift; you can do more and create more because of the variety? Now, 
think of the legos in this analogy as movements, or skills. If you are only given a few basic, sports related skills I am sure you will do quite well at only those things. However, if you are given a variety of diverse skills, in diverse environments, then you are likely to do much better at any activity. 
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In a 2015 report, American Surgeon General, Vivek Murthy, stated “...no matter how much we urge people to get involved with physical activity, they simply won’t do it unless they have the ability, confidence, and desire to be physically active. That’s where physical literacy comes in.” At Serendipity School we strive to give our Physical Education students the ability, confidence and desire to be physically active today, tomorrow, and for many years to come. 

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Thank you to Dean Kriellaars, Terri Drain, and everyone at CAHPERD for the inspiration and information found in this blog post.