More on Physical Literacy at Active Start

During the first three years of life, learning creates more brain cell connections than in later years (Gruhn, 2002). Physical activity is a learning process and creates neural connections across multiple pathways in the brain (Council of Physical Education for Children, 2002), particularly when rhythmic activities are used.

Physical activity lays the foundation for future success in skill development by helping children enjoy being active, learning to move efficiently, and improving coordination and balance. It benefits all areas of development – physically, mentally, emotionally and socially.

Things to think about:

• At this age, physical activity should always be a fun part of the child’s daily life, not something they are required to do.
• Active play in a safe and challenging environment is the best way to keep children physically active.
• Organized physical activity and active play are particularly important for the healthy development of children with a disability.
• Children with sensory disabilities (visual impairment or hearing loss) often require more repetitions to learn movement skills and different ways of getting information from the instructor.
• Learn more by contacting your local organization providing support for persons with the specific disability.

Active Start – Physical literacy activities

• Encourage the child to run – not just in a straight line, but with stops and starts and changes in direction. Tag and chasing games are excellent.
• Play catching games with the child. Use a wide range of soft objects and balls of different sizes. Start with catching a large ball with two hands, and progress towards smaller balls and eventually one handed catching. Remember – bean bags and balls that don’t bounce too much are great for learning.
• Play games making body shapes – upside down and right-side up. Pretend to slither like a snake, and roll like a rolling pin on the floor or down a small grassy slope.
• Play throwing games – and start with soft objects that the child can hold easily in their hand. Try to get the child to throw at a target and sometimes to throw as hard as they can. Get them to try both hands.
• Play balancing games. Stand on one foot and then try the other. Balance on different body parts and try walking along any painted lines on the ground.
• Jump and make shapes in the air. Jump to see how high or far the child can go. Make imaginary rivers and get the child to jump from one bank to the other. Try jumping from both feet, then one. Make sure the child bends at the knees when they land.
• Introduce children to water activities and learn-to-swim programs. Get them on skates or skis and out on the ice or snow so that they learn to slide. Ride a tricycle, or a bike – with or without training wheels – to develop dynamic balance.