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Physically literate, seriously? I know what many of you are thinking...this terminology is just the next big thing to come down the educational pipeline much like the Common Core, new math, DIBELS testing, etc...and I'd dare to venture that the majority of parents out there have the sentiment of, "it's just gym." Well, let's face it, physical education has changed dramatically since you and I were kids. It is not the subject of old - dominated by athletes and centered around sports. We don't play dodgeball or let captains pick teams. Kids don't stand around in long lines waiting for turns with limited equipment. We don't put students on display to embarrass or humiliate lesser skilled movers and we don't just "play games all day." And to be honest, the gym is where physical education takes place; it's not even referred to as "gym class" anymore.
So what is this shift in Physical Education all about? Well, Physical Education is now defined as an academic subject that provides a planned, sequential, K-12 standards-based program of curricula and instruction designed to develop motor skills, knowledge and behaviors for healthy, active living, physical fitness, sportsmanship, self-efficacy and emotional intelligence. Our National governing body, SHAPE America, defines physical literacy as follows:
To pursue a lifetime of healthful physical activity, a physically literate individual:
- Has learned the skills necessary to participate in a variety of physical activities.
- Knows the implications and the benefits of involvement in various types of physical activities.
- Participates regularly in physical activity.
- Is physically active.
- Values physical activity and its contributions to a healthful lifestyle.
National Standards & Grade-Level Outcomes for K-12 Physical Education (2014), SHAPE America.
So how can you help your student become more "physically literate"? Well, they will be working toward that ultimate goal to the best of their potential while they are with me in the gym twice a week for 30 minutes (I wish I saw them more!). Meanwhile, it will be up to you as parents to help them engage in active pursuits outside of the school day whether that is a planned family activity, an organized sport, or providing opportunities for "free play" outdoors. All of these active experiences will help guide your child towards physical endeavors in which they find enjoyment. It is this love of moving which you and I will work together to instill in your children.
So is your child physically literate? Try out this simple 9 item physical literacy assessment to find out:
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