By Jmes
General
Physical
Literuq
to
lead
Canada
oplq*
lz concept
system. Although sport and PE are closely related, they do not always share the
same goals or serve the same individuals.
Hence, a definition
of physical
literacy
It is the application of
foundational
makes
Imagine
if
lit-
in objective
cited in \all &
as
EDUCATION
to
resonate
with
physical
in order
of
between physical competence and affective characteristics" 1n. 19). Thus, what
Educators
intended
both
are
to
It is also intended to
incorporate the application ofa variety of
skills at a proficient level (i.e., competence) across numerous different physical
activities (e.g., games, dance, fitness,
population norms.
ment contexts.
Creativity denotes the ability to apply
skills in new and novel ways and also
provides a link to expressive forms of
2.
As humans we all exhibit this potential, however its specific expression will be particular
to the culture in which we live and the movement capacities with which we are endowed.
3.
An individual who is physically literate moves with poise, economy and confidence
in a wide variety of physically challenging situations.
4.
5.
A physically literate individual has a well established sense of self as embodied in the
world. This, together wth an articulate nteracton with the environment, engenders
positive self-esteem and self confdence.
6.
Senstivty to, and awareness of our embodied capacities leads to fluent self expression
through non-verbal communication and to perceptive and empathetic interaction
with others.
ln addition the individual has the ability to identifu and articulate the essential qualities
that influence the effectiveness of his/her own movement performance, and has an
understanding of the principles of embodied health, with respect to basic aspects such
as exercise, sleep and nutrition.
types
7.
Physical literacy can be described as the ability and motivation to capitalise on our
movement potential to make a significant contribution to the quality of life.
the term, wide variety of physical activities is consistent with Sport Canada's
vision of physical,Iitera ad is also consistent with current definitions of physical
literacy.The reader is encouraged to think
very broadly with regard to 'wide variety;
far broader tharr just popular sports but
development
of skills at proficient
also important
It
is
physically literate.
with
pressure
from a defender.
of
is
of
expressive
to make decisions
to apply their
proficiendy as possible.
Healthy active choices is a common
phrase in most Canadian PE curricula
and is consistent with Health Promoting School initiatives. It also provides
an important link to
differentiated
learning by outlining the importance
of individual choice.
Lifespan reminds individuals that the
role of educators is to educate individAUTUMN. AUTOMNE 2OO9 29
in
other
. Beneficial to and
Respectful of
themselves, others, and their environment is a link to health concepts
and highlights that the benefits reaped
possesses a
and is
it
does
so
justl or
Conclusion
Physical Literacy
individuals
become physically educatedwhich in turn
enables them to demonstrate physical literacF throughout their lifespan. The concept of physical literaa is that through
quality PE, individuals become physically
holistically. This
ethically,
final part ofthe description ofphysical
literacy stresses that the way in which
we communicate and apply our skills,
l.
REFERENCES
Fenmdez- Balboa, J. (199. Phnical educion
era:
citiel
at
Minburgh.
Higgs, C., Balyi, I., Way, R, Cardinal, C., Noris,
S., Bluechadt, M. (2008). Dneloptng plrys;cal
Iiteracy: A guide for pamts of children ages 0 n I 2. :
Vmcouver, BC: Cmadian Spon Centres
.A,bout
about-qdpe.cfm
l.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6,
(K-1 2)
flexibility.
Culnral
l3l8l7eo.pdf
Valt, J. S Murray, N. (1994). Childrn and mnement: Plrysical edrcation in tbe elemmry school
Dubuque, Iowa: !(/'m C Brown Co. Publishers.
M.
\hitehead,
127-r38.
'lfhitehead,
and
M.
its imporrce
Association lrelmd,
Much 10,2O07 ac
ht tp: / /www. phys ical-l i teracy. o rg. uk/
Dublin, Ireland.
Assessed online
dublin2007.php
at:
http://w.phecan ada.caleng/physicaleducation/
7.
8.
9.
Towud
EDUCATION
rVright, J.,
Accessed
online:
10.r 101/1m.39301
www.learnmem.org/cgildoi/