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| Feature | No.65 October 2013 |

The Value of Physical Literacy

Margaret Whitehead

This paper serves as an introduction to Len Almond’s paper on the value of physical literacy. It is one of a series of advocacy papers for use in introducing physical literacy to those less familiar with the concept. Len’s paper discusses some of these values in greater detail. Reference to the value of physical literacy can be found in many of the papers in the Bulletin.

What is the value of being physically literate?

Physical literacy is valuable because it fosters a fundamental human capability

- a capability without which we could not develop as human beings

- a capability that has the potential to enhance and enrich the quality of lives

- a capability which operates in concert with our other capabilities

More specifically physically literacy is valuable as individuals:-

- develop their physical potential and

experience the satisfaction of progress and success in physical activity

- grow in self awareness and self assurance and

strengthen their global self belief and self esteem

- come to realise that being active can be rewarding and pleasurable and

develop a commitment to an active lifestyle

- have the confidence to explore participation in a wide range of activities

acquire a sense of empowerment to make choices and thus widen their life choices

- enhance their all round health and well being and

are less likely to become over-weight and more likely to remain fit and healthy into old age

- come to appreciate the value of physical activity in respect of promoting wellbeing and realise the importance of taking responsibility for their own participation

- learn to make informed decisions about the kind of purposeful physical activities they want to engage in, on a regular basis and actively evaluate their life habits and patterns, with respect to participation in purposeful physical activities, from an informed position

I judge these to be highly significant values, values that give physical education educational validity, not least in preparation for life beyond school.

Through making progress on their physical literacy journey, individuals cannot only develop the motivation and confidence to maintain an active lifestyle, they can also grow in self confidence and self esteem, enjoy participation in a wide range of activities and appreciate the beneficial effect of being active on their total well being and its impact in their lives.

Contact

Margaret Whitehead
4 Veranzerou Str. 10677
Athens
Greece
E-mail:whitehead67@aol.com

http://www.icsspe.org/