Over the past year, I’ve thought a lot about physical literacy. My earlier post, Embracing Physical Literacy: More Than Just Fitness, explored the concept of giving students the tools, confidence, and motivation to move—to make physical activity a lifelong pursuit. This picked up from a 2019 post, More Than Just Getting Moving, that shared the work of physical literacy mentors.  Yet as we move through this school year, I see physical literacy taking on new dimensions—from its role in mental health to its intersection with emerging technologies. It’s time to expand our understanding of how schools can make physical literacy a cornerstone of student success.

Why is physical literacy so important for young people today? For starters, it’s more than simply a “nice to have” complement to academic pursuits; it’s foundational. Recent studies like this one from 2019 on physical literacy and academic performance make a strong case for it. This conclusion was more broadly supported by a comprehensive review in the United States by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) that found incorporating brief physical activities in classroom settings positively affected cognitive skills, attitudes, and academic behaviours, with none of the studies reporting negative associations. Academic success and physical literacy are deeply interconnected, with research consistently showing that movement enhances cognitive function, focus, and overall learning. When students engage in physical activity—whether through structured sports, active play, or simple movement breaks—their brains release chemicals that boost memory, problem-solving skills, and concentration. Schools that prioritize physical literacy not only help students develop coordination and confidence in movement but also create environments where learning is more effective. By integrating physical activity into the school day, we aren’t just fostering healthier bodies; we are actively improving academic outcomes, engagement, and overall student well-being.

Yet, beyond the numbers, there is a simple truth: movement helps kids thrive. It builds resiliency, fosters belonging, and provides a mental health anchor in an increasingly fast-paced and complex world.

Consider the challenges our young people face. With the rise of screen time—now averaging over eight hours daily for teenagers—and increasingly sedentary lifestyles, many students don’t engage in the kind of unstructured, active play that was once a given. The annual study in Canada from ParticipACTION scored our country with a D+ for physical activity for children and youth in 2024. The grade resulted from youth having insufficient physical activity, excessive screen time, and declining active play and outdoor movement. By integrating movement into daily life—not just in PE but across subjects and schedules—we can help students build the habits they need for lifelong health and well-being and move us up from this unacceptable standing.

West Vancouver participated in a study released in 2023 of grade 2 students from all of district elementary schools.  The research  assessed 319 children, with an average age of 7.5 years, evaluating them across five domains: running, locomotor skills, upper and lower body control, and balance. Findings revealed that 79% of the children were at an emerging level of motor competency, while 21% were at a competent level. On average, children engaged in approximately 111 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) daily, with those at the competent level participating in 15 minutes more MVPA per day than their emerging-level peers. The study highlighted the significant positive impact of parental support, especially logistical support, on children’s motor competencies. Additionally, the quality of school grounds played a role in enhancing motor competencies, with different aspects benefiting boys and girls uniquely. The research underscores the importance of both parental involvement and well-designed school environments in fostering children’s motor skill development.

The sum of all of this means that at the school and district level we need to stay committed on making physical literacy a deliberate focus.

I use this space a lot to write about innovation, and recently a lot about AI.  I do think there are some interesting linkages with both these areas related to physical literacy.  As I noted in a recent post, we are being explicit and strategic by identifying AI and physical literacy as our two key areas related to innovation in our district this year.  The intersection of AI and physical literacy represents a broader opportunity. In a world increasingly defined by technology, emphasizing physical literacy alongside digital innovation signals that we value the whole child. It says that while we prepare students for the future’s technological demands, we’re also committed to ensuring they have the tools to take care of their bodies and minds. One is not more important than the other; they’re two sides of the same coin. 

Looking ahead, we need to think bigger about physical literacy’s role in education. What if every student graduated not only with digital literacy but also with a foundational level of physical literacy? What if movement became as integral to our schools as math or reading? This isn’t just about preparing kids for gym class; it’s about equipping them with the skills to lead healthy, balanced lives in an increasingly digital world.  As we embrace innovation this year, let’s continue to make physical literacy a priority in our schools. We can build an education system that harnesses the power of technology while ensuring our students develop the physical literacy they need to thrive.

The image at the top of this post was generated through Magic School AI.  Various AI tools were used as feedback helpers (for our students this post would be a Yellow assignment – see link to explanation chart) as I edited and refined my thinking.  

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