The Chinese Assessment of physical literacy: Based on Grounded Theory Paradigm for children in grades 3-6

The aim of this study is to construct and validate “physical literacy self-assessment questionnaire” (PLAQ) for Chinese students in grades 3-6. This study uses qualitative and quantitative methods to construct evaluation indicators of PL and determine the weights of each indicator. The 60 items of original PLAQ was based on literature review and interviews, and administered to 1179 primary students graded 3-6 in China. Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) are used to optimize the structure and verify the reliability and validity of the questionnaire. The model of PLAQ is composed of 4 first-level indicators, 10 second-level indicators and 35 third-level indicators. The results of EFA and CFA resulted in a 44-items, 4-factor questionnaire. EFA item loadings ranged from 0.558 to 0.896, and Cronbach's alpha ranged from 0.818 to 0.892. The results of CFA show that the constructed model fits well, and PLAQ has good convergent validity and discriminative validity. The PLAQ appeared to be reliable and valid that can be used as an assessment tool for students in grades 3-6. PLAQ can be used as a guide for the development of PL. Additionally, PLAQ gives us a shared understanding about what PL is and how it can be developed by Chinese children. However, studies on the accuracy and generalizability of the PLAQ should be conducted to improve it in the future.

Developing an Intentionally Designed Physical Activity Model of Programming for Children’s Structured Recreation in Canada

Sport and education organizations have established models to ensure that coaches and teachers understand the physical, social, emotional and mental development of children. Such pathways of intentionally designed models fail to exist in the recreation sector where many physical activity (PA) programs are mainly developed based on convenience and instructor availability rather than on established credentials and current pedagogy practices. Addressing this gap, this paper explores the creation of an intentionally designed model of programming for children’s structured recreation, which is defined as sport or PA-based programs that are planned and led by an instructor. This proposed model is contextualized within the province of Alberta, but may be applicable across the nation. The authors further define “intentionally designed” as the development of purposeful programming with specific objectives that align with outside sources. One such source comes from the Canadian Parks and Recreation Association, who has created a Canadian Recreation Framework, an initiative to ultimately develop the well-being of all Canadians. The proposed, structured recreation model also incorporates several guiding principles including physical literacy and sport philosophy. Physical Literacy (PL) focuses on the lived body as the embodied dimension of our human experience, and how it can be enriched through various experiences that enable us to reach our full potential (Whitehead, 2007). It is about viewing the body holistically rather than separate from the entire being. By planning diverse PA in four environments, including land, water, air, and ice, the model also aligns with the sports sector and its philosophy of developing both fundamental movement skills and fundamental sport skills. Moreover, with allocated playing time, intentionally designed structured lesson plans, and one consistent leader in each activity, the model aims to increase the participants’ motor proficiency and levels of PA while building their confidence and competence across distinct exercises. The execution of the proposed recreation model involves a four-month program where participants rotate to a different PA environment each month and attend two classes per week, cumulating in 32 total classes. Management implications are discussed to determine how recreational professionals can achieve the intended outcomes of the model. Finally, further research is necessary to determine if this model can increase participants’ motor proficiency and positively influence physical activity behaviors in the recreation sector.

Characterizing Middle School Students' Physical Literacy Development: A Self-Determination Theory-Based Pilot Intervention in Physical Education

Purpose: Positive youth development (PYD) can be achieved through effective and purposeful instructions in physical education (PE) and other relevant experiences both in and beyond schools. Students' PYD is associated with their physical literacy (PL) development, which has become a primary emphasis of PE, especially in the United States, in recent years. This study aimed to (a) characterize middle school students' physical literacy (PL) and (b) capture their PL developing trajectories in light of receiving a self-determination theory (SDT)-based pedagogical workshop, with the long-term vision on PYD.Methods: Participants (N = 226) completed the Canadian Assessment of Physical Literacy (CAPL-2) in physical education (PE). A subsample (n = 49) received four workshop sessions over 8 weeks; and completed the CAPL-2 and participated in focus group interviews before and after the workshop.Results: Both boys and girls' CAPL-2 scores were in the “progressing” stage. Significant differences in PL and PL domains were observed by gender, grade, socioeconomic status (SES), body mass index (BMI), and race/ethnicity. The low PL group showed improvements in PL and PL domains. Interview data delineated positive PL developing trajectories for physical activity (PA) type, frequency, and intensity; perceived motives; and participation barriers.Conclusion: PL is a dynamic state that can be improved through purposeful PE. Future work should examine the effect (and implementation) of opportunities in (e.g., PE) and beyond schools (e.g., youth sports programs) to ultimately advance PYD.

A Scoping review on the implementation of active recreational activities

The purpose of the study. The aim of this study is to identify the prevalence of participants in physical activities, the motivation needed by the students to engage in the activity, challenges encountered by the implementors, health benefits, and recommendations and suggestions needed for the improvement of the implementation. Materials and methods. Using Arksey and O’Malley’s (2005) scoping review framework, a systematic analysis of the data of different articles was conducted. Results. It was found out that the implementation of active recreational activities offers different health benefits to the youth, physical literacy and orientation and motivation played a vital role in the implementation of the recreational activities. Conclusions. Therefore, the implementation of the active recreational activities must be strengthened in schools not just for the sake of participation but because they are motivated to. And the engagement of these activities must not only limit to school grounds but also engaged even at home and in the community.

Building foundations for the future: A case study with LTA Youth

This article discusses modern challenges experienced when developing tennis players including low levels of physical literacy. It then outlines the needs of a young child and learning strategies that can be used. A brief overview of some practical strategies for engaging early years participants, using a player-centred approach, are shared using examples from LTA Youth with explanations of how each exercise integrates key principles to attract and retain early years participants.

Skill transfer through multi-sport play: A tennis and hockey example

The concept of “skill transfer” is introduced with the sports of ice hockey and tennis as examples. Skill transfer is addressed with a backdrop and understanding that it is based on existing concepts that have been researched significantly over the past few decades. They include Physical Literacy, Early Sport Specialization and Long-Term Athlete Development. Specific commonalities and skill benefits are highlighted. This inclusive, unified approach may serve as a catalyst to a better understanding of the benefits of skill transfer as well as the benefits of learning physical activities through two sport examples on multiple surfaces.

When teachers Google physical literacy: A cartography of controversies analysis

How physical literacy (PL) is presented on ‘the web’ (i.e. Google) has implications for how health and/ physical education (H/PE) teachers and coaches engage with and understand the concept, and ultimately how it is made to act in practice. This research sheds light on the type of PL content they are likely to encounter in their search via the web. Utilising Venturini's ‘cartography of controversies’ method, the top 100 Google search results for PL were analysed to observe and describe how PL is presented on the web, by whom and in the name of what. Findings show that PL has been ‘framed’ on the web by a heterogeneous network of actors who present different viewpoints, ideologies and suggested practices for PL within and across the contextual ‘spheres’ of education, sport and health. Further, the findings highlight how Google's algorithms prioritise and privilege particular PL viewpoints and ideologies. Consequently, variations in understanding and practices will be evident between H/PE teachers and coaches who only engage with the first page of Google results (top one to 10 URLs) and those who read more broadly. Rather than relying on Google's algorithms or policymakers’ interpretations of PL that commonly serve the interests of the sport and health ‘spheres’ we suggest that H/PE teachers and coaches need to act as ‘knowledge brokers’ and thus be reflexive and aware of the multiple versions of PL that are presented on the web. This is especially important if they use the web as a form of professional development.

Physical Activity Model to Develop Basic Movement Skills in Kindergarten Students Based on Physical Literacy

The lack of physical activity that is applied in Kindergarten (PAUD) has a bad impact on the future of children. It was revealed that the designed curriculum was more dominant in the development of academic achievement. The study purpose was to develop basic movement skills in kindergarten students based on physical literacy. Materials and methods. The method used in this study was research and development methods using quantitative and qualitative settings. With a population of all kindergarten teachers in Cilacap Regency which amounted to 1,387 teachers from 350 kindergartens, the sample used was 52 teachers who were taken by proportional sampling. The data analysis technique used in his study was descriptive quantitative data analysis techniques with percentages. Results. The research findings show that each item of the statement of physical activity variables in developing students' basic movements can be seen from the average value of 4.205 which is in the very good category scale range. The statement that has the smallest average value in statement number 2 is “Do students have enough physical activity at school?” and has a value of 3.827 with a good category. While the highest average in statement number 1 is “Are Kindergarten students' physical activities held at school?” with an average value of 4.423 very good category. Conclusions. Therefore, it can be concluded that "kindergarten students' physical activities held in schools" give a very good impression and are beneficial for kindergarten (PAUD) children for their growth and development.

Association between Physical Literacy and Self-Perceived Fitness Level in Children and Adolescents

Background: Physical fitness is considered a predictor of mortality and comorbidities resulting from physical inactivity in children and adolescents. Physical literacy provides a robust and comprehensive assessment of physical fitness. Thus, it is considered a crucial element for understanding children and adolescents’ health status and their physical activity-related behaviours. Moreover, the self-perceived fitness should also be considered. Therefore, this study aims to analyse the relationship between physical literacy and self-perceived physical fitness in children and adolescents aged 8–12 years. Methods: A single-measure cross-sectional study was conducted with 135 children and adolescents. Anthropometric measurements and the Canadian Assessment of Physical Literacy Development (CAPL-2) were applied. Descriptive statistics and correlations were calculated. The Fitness Perception Scale for Adolescents (FP VAS A) scale was also administered to assess participants’ self-perceived fitness. Results: Moderate significant correlations were found between “physical competence”, “motivation and confidence”, and the total CAPL-2 score with FP VAS A. Conclusions: The influence of motivation on self-perceived fitness has been demonstrated. Moreover, cardiorespiratory fitness could be considered one of the most relevant and influential factors in the total CAPL-2 score. It means that higher levels of self-perceived fitness would be associated with greater levels of physical literacy.