Before children can learn how to read, write, or do arithmetic calculations, they are constantly learning. Running, jumping, balancing, climbing, throwing and dancing are just a few of the developmentally appropriate skills young children are able to do. Not only do these activities give children an outlet for burning off excess energy, but they also promote confidence, coordination, independence, and healthy lifestyles. Teaching physical literacy begins early; when children are beginning to be aware of their own capabilities and given positive opportunities to develop these skills, it can follow them throughout their lives.
What Is Physical Literacy?
Physical literacy is the ability of an individual to participate in physical activities, as well as the understanding, confidence, and desire to be physically active throughout life. There is a lot more to physical literacy than just a sport. In some way, we think that for young children, physical literacy is about progressing through motor skills, like balancing on one foot, climbing, catching, dodging obstacles, and a lot more.
We have to say that the early years are absolutely vital to a child’s physical development. Children grow rapidly, and their motor patterns, brain, and physical activity is constantly being developed and changed.
Why Movement Matters Before Elementary School
Physical activity during early childhood has numerous benefits and promotes development in more than one area. Exercise undoubtedly has advantages for the body, but physical activity can be good for kids in other ways. Play can increase gross motor skills such as running, jumping, crawling, climbing, and throwing. This allows kids to gain independence as they get older and do more difficult activities, like racing, jumping rope, and horseshoes.
In addition, exercise can improve balance and coordination. Encouraging kids to navigate through obstacle courses or play active musical chairs can teach them about their own body and how it moves. Preschool teachers and others who work in the childcare field, such as those who work for a Burwood preschool, can use activity to the daily schedule in fun ways that help to promote gross motor development without having to set aside a special time for physical education.
The Connection Between Physical Activity and Mental Wellbeing
Children, especially those who are still young, often experience powerful emotions and using movement is frequently an excellent way to let these emotions out. Furthermore, movement is a wonderful way to keep young children busy, and movement challenges can be extremely helpful in making kids feel accomplished. Kids love to feel successful and complete, and if a child is having a hard time getting over a hurdle at first he or she might feel disappointed and like they were not good at the task, but through practice they might eventually surpass the hurdle and feel amazing about themselves. This teaches children that almost everything can be achieved if one just puts his or her mind to it.
Movement can also give kids a chance to socialize with others. Many movement games involve taking turns, or cooperating and participating with others. This can help kids learn how to communicate in many ways.
Building Confidence Through Play
One of the most common and effective ways of fostering physical literacy is through play. Children are much more likely to put in effort if they have fun, and movement is perceived as something enjoyable and not as a boring duty.
An outdoor obstacle course can encourage kids to wiggle under various objects, step over, crawl under, balance on and slalom around, dance – explore rhythm and movement potential. Organized ball games can teach throwing and catching skills, kicking and rolling. The idea is to let children experiment, not to strive for perfection. Fundamental motor skills should be introduced to kids in a playful way. It is essential to remember that every child is unique and grows up at different rates. In addition, children need positive reinforcement and encouragement not to compare themselves to others.
Creating Inclusive Opportunities for Movement
Physical literacy should be accessible to every child, regardless of their existing abilities or level of coordination. Activities can be adapted to ensure children can participate in ways that feel comfortable and achievable.
For example, a throwing activity can use larger, softer objects for beginners, while children with greater confidence can experiment with smaller targets. Balance activities can begin with simple floor markings before progressing to more challenging equipment.
Providing different levels of difficulty allows children to experience success while still offering opportunities for growth. This approach can prevent children from becoming discouraged and helps establish a positive relationship with physical activity.
Inclusive movement experiences also teach children that everyone can participate, even if people move or learn in different ways.
Developing Healthy Habits Early
Habits cultivated during childhood can have strong effects on the attitudes towards activity in later years by introducing the idea that exercise is fun, exciting, social, and rewarding.
This is key in the current digital age, as screens can provide both valuable educational and entertaining content, but young children need lots of motor-skill development and social interaction to be healthy. The solution is not to limit access to devices but rather to make sure children get enough active engagement in their everyday lives.
Physical Literacy Is About More Than Sport
It is easy to think that physical literacy is all about preparing for sports. In fact, it offers many more opportunities, as a child, who has developed good motor skills will be much more likely to succeed in all areas of life. The lessons instilled can lead to success in playground games, recreation activities, and also greater independence.
More importantly, the child will have been taught that learning and developing their motor skills can lead to opportunities far beyond their early years.
Preparing Children for a Healthy Future
Physical literacy is something that children tend to acquire in a much earlier age. Any form of locomotion and activity from jumping bean to climbing frames or even dance sessions can provide physical literacy and confidence. The primary way is not always the best way. To facilitate physical literacy, children need regular opportunities for physical activity in a safe and encouraging environment.
Adding to that, the involvement and encouragement from the participants may contribute to early childhood development with lasting benefits for the children’s wellbeing. Physical literacy contributes to physical development, confidence, competence, connection, and character.
