What is Physical Literacy?

Physical literacy is a fundamental and valuable

human capability that is described as an individual encompassing the motivation, condense, physical competence, knowledge, and understanding to value and take responsibility for the engagement in physical activity (Whitehead, 2016).

As all areas of education, physical literacy must be taught and developed at a young age. Learning the “Fundamental Movement Skills” in early childhood helps individuals develop the confidence and competence to continue pursuing activities in the active setting. Research has also shown that without the development of physical literacy, many children and youth withdraw from physical activity and sport and turn to more inactive and/or unhealthy choices during their leisure time (CS4Life).

Physical and Health Education Canada states: Individuals who are physically literate move with competence and confidence in a wide variety of physical activities in multiple environments that benefit the healthy development of the whole person (PHE Canada, 2010). Across the provinces there are unique differences in each physical education program, however the principles are all consistent with the PHE Canada’s Quality Daily Physical Education Program and are rooted in previous evidence-based research.