Hey, hey and welcome back to PE Is the New Math, this week’s topic is on the new buzz word, physical literacy. What is physical literacy? According to the International Physical Literacy Association, “Physical literacy is the motivation, confidence, physical competence, knowledge, and understanding to value and take responsibility for engagement in physical activities for life.” This account of physical literacy suggests that a person missing anyone of these skills will lack physical literacy. It also suggests that without physical literacy a person’s motivation, confidence and value of physical activity will decline.
But why do we care? As educators we are tasked with ensuring all students from all ends of the spectrum receive a well-rounded education and skills that will make them successful citizens in society. Surely placing the emphasis on something that seems as insignificant as can a student throw a ball or not seems pointless at surface level. Wrong! Countless studies have found a direct correlation between physical literacy and academic and social success. Improved physical literacy improves students, motivation, confidence and the likelihood of them participating in sports well into their later lives. Therefore, if we as educators made PE a higher priority, and if as a community we made physical activity more accessible, the potential increase we’d see in performance in the classroom would be limitless. Still don’t believe me that maybe, potentially, PE is the New Math? Well, I hope you’ll tune in next week for more. And if you do believe me, then I hope you’ll come along for the ride in making this dream a reality.
