What is physical literacy?
Sometimes it can be challenging to get children and teens to participate in healthy levels of active play and physical activity. This can happen for a variety of reasons, such as a lack of confidence or motivation for activity, or possibly difficulty keeping up with their friends during play. Healthy levels of activity in children and youth relies upon a combination of physical and mental factors that are known as “physical literacy.” For some children, low levels of physical literacy are a barrier to physical activity.
The Four Domains of Physical Literacy
CAPL Manual for Test Administration 2nd edition, 2017. Figure used with permission from the Healthy Active Living and Obesity Research Group, Ontario
Original figure by Sarah Hoffman, DO
Resources
Physical Literacy for All Youth in Maine (PLAY-ME) has developed resources for families, schools and community programs, rehabilitation specialists and health care providers to help support healthy physical activity levels in children and adolescents. PLAY-ME tools are unique in that they not only promote physical activity but can help assess and promote physical literacy development.
Webinars
- Physical Literacy and Physical Activity - The Connection and Importance of Both (ECHO)
- This webinar will help providers improve your ability to effectively counsel patients and families on physical activity, including background information on physical literacy.
- Physical Literacy Screening in Health Care
- This webinar for health care providers reviews the details of screening for physical literacy in office-based settings.
- Physical Literacy Assessment for Physical Therapists and Community Settings
- This webinar reviews details for a second screening on community settings.
PLAY-ME Quick Links
The PLAY-ME Health Care Screening Manual provides background information on physical literacy and its significance for patients, as well as practical information on how to assess physical literacy in office settings and treatment options for patients who would benefit from additional supports. These quick links may be useful:
- Physical literacy overview/scripting
- 2-step provider screening
- PLAY ME algorithm
- Treatment option overview
CAPL-2 Manual
The Canadian Assessment of Physical Literacy Second Edition is an assessment of the capacity for physical activity among children 8-12 years of age. This manual details the comprehensive protocol that led to the development of the PLAY ME materials.
Webinars
- Physical Literacy and Physical Activity - The Connection and Importance of Both (ECHO)
- This webinar will help rehabilitation specialists and others who work with children improve their ability to effectively counsel patients and families on physical activity, including background information on physical literacy.
- Physical Literacy Assessment for Physical Therapists and Community Settings
- This webinar reviews details for a second screening on community settings.
Manuals
The PLAY-ME Secondary Screening Manual for Rehabilitation Specialists provides background information on physical literacy and its significance for patients, as well as practical information on how to assess physical literacy and treatment options for patients who would benefit from additional supports. These quick links may be useful:
- Questionnaire overview/scoring
- Pedometer/activity log overview/scoring
- Physical assessment overview/scoring
- For those with smaller space
- For those with larger spaces
- PACER Shuttle run overview/scoring
- Agility test overview/scoring
CAPL-2 Manual
The Canadian Assessment of Physical Literacy Second Edition is an assessment of the capacity for physical activity among children 8-12 years of age. This manual details the comprehensive protocol that led to the development of the PLAY ME materials.
Webinars
- Physical Literacy and Physical Activity - The Connection and Importance of Both (ECHO)
- This webinar will help providers improve your ability to effectively counsel students and families on physical activity, including background information on physical literacy.
- Physical Literacy Assessment for Physical Therapists and Community Settings
- This webinar reviews comprehensive physical literacy assessments that can be performed in community-based settings.
Manuals
The PLAY-ME Secondary Screening Manual for Rehabilitation Specialists provides background information on physical literacy and its significance for patients, as well as practical information on how to assess physical literacy and treatment options for patients who would benefit from additional supports. These quick links may be useful:
- Questionnaire overview/scoring
- Pedometer/activity log overview/scoring
- Physical assessment overview/scoring
- For those with smaller space
- For those with larger spaces
- PACER Shuttle run overview/scoring
- Agility test overview/scoring
CAPL-2 Manual
The Canadian Assessment of Physical Literacy Second Edition is an assessment of the capacity for physical activity among children 8-12 years of age. This manual details the comprehensive protocol that led to the development of the PLAY ME materials.
Educational Resources & Infographics
- Parent information guide regarding general principles of physical literacy
- Physical activity information for Maine families
- MaineTrailFinder.com is a comprehensive list of trails throughout Maine.
- WinterKids: Ideas for keeping kids physically active throughout Maine winters
- FitMaine: A website that highlights a variety of physical activities and related events throughout Maine
- Geocaching: A great way to integrate technology and screen time with physical activity
- General physical activity information
- Healthy Sport Index: A resource to help families choose the best sport for their child, taking into account physical activity, safety and psychosocial factors
- The U.S. government’s introductory page on family physical activity. Contains a variety of links to different resources. Tips for getting active.
- For families who want detailed information on current Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans (Chapter 3 is focused on children and adolescents)