Physical Education and Physical Literacy

Check out the latest SIRC Newsletter on Physical Education and Physical Literacy!

Attention towards understanding youth physical fitness in relation to health has developed in the last few years. With this in mind, educators are seeking a curriculum with a vision of building physical and health literacy. Students need to be experiencing programs that are more engaging, energizing and personally enriching. Better quality physical education is likely to change the health-related behaviours and attitudes of students, as well as those of their families and communities. Physical literacy is a term that is not always easy to understand. Physical and Health Education Canada defines being physically literate as: an individual who moves with competence in a wide variety of physical activities that benefit the development of the whole person. Physically literate individuals are able to demonstrate a variety of movements confidently, competently, creatively and strategically across a wide range of health related physical activities.

http://sirc.ca/newsletters/october10/index.html

University of Alberta to Provide Aboriginal Sport and Recreation Certificate

The Faculty of Physical Education and Recreation and the Faculty of Native Studies at the University of Alberta in Edmonton, Canada have joined forces to offer a new certificate for students geared towards Aboriginal sport and recreation, starting the fall of 2011. The first of its kind in Canada, the program is designed to offer core courses from both faculties and will provide graduates with an enhancement to their degrees, expanding their knowledge in the field of Aboriginal Peoples’ health and wellness through sport and recreation.



Research shows that participation in sport and physical activity is an important factor in improving the mental and physical well-being of youth, and with the rapid growth in Aboriginal youth, these qualified students will now go into these communities with relevant skills and qualifications. Acknowledging that there is a great deal of culture that needs to be respected and understood, the university felt that the students needed to learn certain protocols in order to work in Aboriginal communities by knowing how to better handle cultural sensitivities.



The students will graduate with their degree, but now also with a certificate that will provide them with the precise tools to better enhance their leadership in the area of sport and recreation, specifically focused in Aboriginal communities, in so doing, creating more success. This certificate in Aboriginal sport and recreation is a timely addition to the academic programs on the Edmonton campus and is open to all students at the University of Alberta provided they can fit it in with their course of study, and their particular degree permits them to enroll in it.



For more information on Aboriginal education, health and fitness, please visit SIRC.

Catch me if you can!

 Many adults seem to have some memories of gym class angst from running laps being meted out as a punishment, so it's safe to assume that running isn't fun right? If you watch children racing around a playground you might think twice. Children love to run - chasing, racing and playing tag have always been an integral part of childhood.

Add in the fun! - children love games, prizes and friendly competition. There are plenty of children's activities that encourage movement skills, fun, and training all in one package. Try organizing an obstacle race, a scavenger hunt, a game of tag or more obvious training activities such as running up and down hills or timed sprint races.

Running is healthy! - The Canadian Physical Activity Guidelines for children ages 5-11 recommends at least 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity every day. Participation in vigorous activities are recommended 3 times per week and are classified as activities that cause children to sweat and be out of breath. Overweight or physically inactive children may need to slowly increase their activity levels to keep up motivation and prevent short-term injuries.

Running safety includes:

• teaching proper running form and movement concepts
• setting attainable goals - progress slowly and set goals that the child wishes to achieve
• providing a variety of activities to retain interest and prevent burnout or overuse injuries
• following proper nutrition guidelines and ensuring adequate hydration
• providing required footwear, sun safety and safe areas for activity 

Most children love to just run around, but adding a variety of structured activities can increase engagement and motivation while promoting running as a safe, enjoyable, long-term activity for young children.

References from the SIRC Collection: 

1. Beverly J. KIDS GOING LONG. Running Times. June 2011;(387):48-53. 
2. JENNY S, ARMSTRONG T. DISTANCE RUNNING and the Elementary age Child. JOPERD: The Journal Of Physical Education, Recreation & Dance. March 2013;84(3):17-25. 
3. Moss D. Year-Long Fun-Run Series for Your Entire School. Tricks Of The Trade For Middle Distance, Distance & Cross-Country Running. June 2004;:150-155. 
4. Physical Activity Programming Assists Children Who Are Obese. Adapted Physical Activity Quarterly [serial online]. July 1994;11(3):335-336.
5. Platat C, Jarrar A. Reliability and validity of a physical activity questionnaire in children. International Journal Of Food Sciences & Nutrition. September 2012;63(6):637-644.. 
5. Rowland T. Should Children Be Allowed to Run Marathon Races? A Virtual Roundtable. Pediatric Exercise Science. March 2006;18(1):1.