Physical Literacy

PHYSICAL LITERACY INFUSION: SMALL CHANGES RESULT IN BIG REWARDS

As states continue to impress upon their schools to improve core subject academic literacy, the unnoticed gap is evident between academic and physical literacy. For years, Physical Education has been the title of this course throughout the nation, but a trend is slowly creeping into changing the title to “Physical Literacy.”

Simply put, we as physical educators, need to rid ourselves of the old motto “Roll the balls out” to actually teach our youth mastery skills with body movement, ball skills, so our youth have confidence in mastery the physical skills that can be used for a life time.

It is the assumption that sooner or later a student will learn how to catch, kick, hit, and throw a ball, but do they? The excitement of being enrolled in PE is not as enticing as yesteryear. Why so, because the games played are difficult because mastery skills have not been taught in step and sequence and our youth are feeling and seeing more failure than success. Likewise, do we instruct how to run and jump correctly? Could they actually be quicker, faster, and more explosive if more time and effort was taken?

Is the direction of physical literacy intended to teach all to be athletes; not whatsoever. Yes, more students may direct their skills in that avenue if they feel more confident in themselves. Actually, the bottom line, is to reduce the amount of sedentary lifestyle that is surrounding the world. Can the appreciation of body movement, literacy in games, move our nation to sway away from today’s generation of “screen time?” (TV, computer, and cell phones).

In my 43 years of teaching physical education, I have definitely seen the decline in the excitement of suiting up, appreciation of being healthy, and consequently the decline in competitive spirit. Obviously, many will continue to be involved in athletics, but likewise, many more will move in the opposite direction. Athletics will end at some point for all, but the necessity for a healthy lifestyle will not.

If we concentrate our efforts in teaching skills and movements, we will see a student that is not only healthy but possess high self-esteem. A student and eventually an adult that can remained focused for an extended period of time with physical and mental endurance.

Academic and physical literacy do go hand in hand. Student scores will climb, discipline problems will lower and the overall climate of the school will be enhanced. This is not a new innovation in Physical Education that fulfills the IWOW hearts, but really a step back into time and getting back to the roots.