I have written before (HERE) about the importance of not just moving more, but developing physical literacy skills with students. This was pre-pandemic. And if anything the limited activity many had during the COVID-19 pandemic increased these challenges leading to what many are seeing as a health crisis.
In the world of education, we rightly emphasize intellectual growth, but the significance of physical health cannot be overstated. We are intentionally trying to do this differently in West Vancouver Schools. We are looking at the whole school environment to get students moving more often throughout the day. For us physical health is not just about sports or fitness; it’s a comprehensive approach encompassing mental and emotional well-being, community involvement, and personal development.
During the pandemic new connections and partnerships were formed between health and education. And for us, this is translating into our work in physical literacy – it is not just about the “school’s job” to make changes, but it is also for the entire community to work together. Community partnerships can push us forward, positively impacting students’ overall health and wellbeing. This new physical health promotion video which is a product of our collective efforts in West Vancouver, shares our thinking:
The video showcases the importance of finding creative ways to promote physical activity and make movement matter. Engaging students in a variety of activities, from yoga and dance to outdoor adventures, while also using simple but intentional movements in classrooms and hallways, highlights the diverse ways students can engage in physical health. It’s a reminder that physical health must be accessible to everyone, regardless of their athletic ability or interests. And we know that it is important for all of our students to be competent in key physical literacy skills. Just like you have key literacy and numeracy skills to function in the world, the same is true with physical literacy. When you are competent in movement skills, it is more likely you will be immersed in diverse physical pursuits throughout your life because activities are more fun when you are physically competent. The focus is on enjoyment, participation, and the holistic benefits of staying active.
And we know the research is clear that physical literacy is linked to better academic performance and consistently embedding physical literacy in schools can have a positive impact on both physical health and academic achievement.
Physical health is a collective journey, where students support and motivate each other. This communal aspect is crucial, as it fosters a positive environment where students form new friendships, feel encouraged to try new activities in a variety of environments, and push their boundaries.
The integration of physical health promotion into our schools is a testament to its importance. It’s not just an extracurricular activity; it’s a fundamental part of student development. As the Province of BC moves to expand foods programs (through its Feeding Futures initiative) and calls are coming for a national program, this needs to be linked to the work in physical literacy – this is all interconnected.
The physical literacy work is essential for all of us. We need to continue promoting and supporting diverse physical health opportunities giving our students skills that they will value and be motivated to use for their entire life. By doing so, we’re not just nurturing healthier bodies; we’re building stronger, more connected communities.
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