Research shows there’s a right way and a right time to develop the fundamental movement and sport skills that benefit kids for their entire lives. Learning these basic movement and sports skills is known as becoming physically literate.
Being physically literate is the foundation for being successful in sport and in life. Physical literacy gives active kids the best chance at becoming top-level athletes who may someday compete in high-performance sport but it also results in them simply leading an active life. And as the word “literacy” implies, just like reading, writing and arithmetic, movement skills need to be taught.
Physical literacy refers to the mastering of fundamental movement skills and sport skills that permit a child to move with confidence and control in a wide range of physical activity situations. Physical literacy begins with learning the ABC’S: agility, balance, coordination and speed. Like reading, writing and mathematics, physical literacy must be taught to children. And it should be taught at a young age.
Cross Country Canada promotes physical literacy through its Skill Development Programs