Physical activity and physical literacy are important components of a child’s health and well-being. Children who have the confidence, motivation and movement competence to enjoy a variety of physical activities are more likely to be active and healthy for life.
For questions about physical activity resources and health initiatives at your school, call our Client and Community Support Call Centre at 1-800-265-7293 ext. 7006 (M-F, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.) or emailclientcommunitysupport@wdgpublichealth.ca
What is physical literacy?
Developing physical literacy is about having the skills, confidence and motivation to enjoy a variety of sports and physical activities. Much like learning the alphabet and words are the foundations to reading, there are fundamental movement skills (balance, coordination, running, etc.) that we need to develop in order to feel confident and motivated to be active. As these fundamental skills develop and confidence in using them increases, so do participation and activity levels in a variety of different settings and environments.
The following physical activity and physical literacy resources can be used by teachers in the classroom or to support school initiatives.
Community Programs
Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Active and Safe Routes to School (ASRTS)
WDG ASRTS is a program that encourages walking or biking to/from school. Visit their ”Making it Happen” section to learn more about ASRTS events, and to access teacher resources and a school travel planning toolkit. Email the WDG ASRTS Committee at wdgasrts@gmail.com for support and to help you get started. Your school can even earn EcoSchool points by implementing an Active Transportation Campaign, like a Walk or Bike to School event!
Recommended Websites
Recommended guidelines for physical activity, sedentary behaviour and sleep for children aged 5-17 years.
Activities and lesson plans to help children develop physical literacy. For Grades K-7.
Interactive online tool to help children plan a day with the suggested amount of Sweat, Step, Sleep and Sitting to be healthy. Download their additional resources for educators which include games, activity sheets and posters.
An activity-based resource to help children and youth become more physically active, and provide them with the skills and knowledge to lead an active and healthy lifestyle.
Resources to provide support for educators who need additional support and strategies to further involve student leaders.
A publicly-funded grant for schools to engage students and introduce new sports or physical activities to current programs.
Activities and resources to teach physical activity and physical literacy in Grades K-1.
ParticipACTION’s Report Card on Physical Activity for Children and Youth
An assessment of child and youth physical activity in Canada.