Transcript
BEN LANGDOWN:
Physical literacy is an important concept that has attracted a lot of research and attention in recent years. Being physically literate allows children to take part in sport or physical activity with a degree of competence when they're older, hopefully leading to confidence, motivation, and a desire to continue participating in physical activity, sport, or fitness pursuits throughout their life. Although research tells us that movement skills are an important part of physical literacy, being able to interpret and interact with the physical environment, develop social interactions, and develop underpinning knowledge of the values of physical activity for health and wellbeing are also important components.
We know that now is an important time to foster a movement culture into the lives of children through the environments in which they engage. Physical activity is as important for a baby as it is for toddlers, children, adolescents, and on into adulthood. Young children love to be as active as possible, moving around freely.
For babies, the benefit comes from unrestricted floor-based activities, helping them to develop the physical strength necessary for lifting their heads, rolling, and on into crawling. This leads to good posture, stability, spatial awareness, and the development of movement patterns. Alongside this, floor-based movement helps them to maintain a healthy weight, develop their senses, and early language and communication through social interactions with parents, carers, siblings, and other children.
For toddlers and preschool children, it's important to continue fostering their love of physical activity, as the benefits here can be seen through the development of fundamental movement skills and the building blocks for movement, which are transferable to other physical activity, sport, and fitness pursuits throughout life. In response to physical activity, a child's bones and muscles will get stronger. Their heart and lungs will adapt, increasing fitness levels. Plus, they will be able to develop socially and emotionally through interactions with others and their environment. In fact, there is research showing that physical activity can support the development of brain structures, communication skills, increases in self-confidence, motivation, and the retention of information. Above all, fostering an environment in which physical activity is encouraged and a core valued aspect of the day-to-day structure will help children form positive associations with physical activity, hopefully leading to immediate and long-term health benefits and physically active lives.