If you have been following this column for a while, you have probably noticed that we talk about Physical Literacy … A LOT. Well, that is kind of the whole point of this column … ha ha.
Over the past few years, we have looked at Physical Literacy from many different angles. I have shared my way of explaining it, because there is no single perfect definition that works for everyone. Physical Literacy can be viewed through different lenses, and that is one of the things that makes it so interesting. Besides, it is always good to get a reminder every few years. Sometimes we hear something we already know, but it suddenly makes a little more sense because we are at a different stage in life.
By now, you should know the four words that almost always come up when people define physical literacy: confidence, motivation, competence, and knowledge. If you have been paying really close attention, you also know that here in the Northwest Territories we have expanded that conversation to include the social, emotional, cognitive, and spiritual aspects of movement.
You also know all about Fundamental Movement Skills. Running, jumping, throwing, catching, balancing, kicking, hopping, skipping, and all those other building blocks that help children become confident movers. They are the ABCs of movement, and they form the foundation for sport, recreation, outdoor adventures, and everyday life.
So… if you have read all of that, you might be asking yourself, What exactly is Physical Literacy? Fair question. The simplest answer is this: Physical Literacy is having the confidence, motivation, knowledge, and movement skills to enjoy being active for life.
Notice what is not in that definition!?
It does not say you have to be the fastest skater, the strongest volleyball player, or the next Olympian. Physical Literacy is not about winning championships. It is about feeling capable enough to say, “Sure, I will give that a try.” Maybe that is joining a community softball team. Maybe it is learning to paddle a canoe. Maybe it is walking your favourite trail with your family, dancing at a celebration, harvesting on the land, skiing, biking, or simply chasing your kids around the backyard. Movement belongs to everyone.
I often describe Physical Literacy as having five connected parts. The physical domain helps us develop movement skills and confidence in a variety of environments, on land, in water, on snow, or even in the air. The social domain reminds us that movement is often something we do together. We build friendships, teamwork, communication, and a sense of belonging. The emotional domain helps us develop resilience. We learn how to overcome challenges, celebrate success, handle disappointment, and grow through experience. The cognitive domain is about thinking. We solve problems, make decisions, adapt to new situations, and continue learning every time we are active. Finally, the spiritual domain connects us to something larger than ourselves. That might be our culture, our community, our family, our traditions, or the land itself.
None of these pieces exists on its own. They work together to create positive experiences that encourage people to stay active throughout their lives.
The best part? Physical Literacy does not have an age limit. A toddler builds Physical Literacy by climbing over logs and splashing through puddles. A teenager develops it through sport, dance, hiking, or recreation. Adults continue building it by trying new activities, staying active, and sharing those experiences with family and friends. Older adults maintain it by preserving balance, mobility, confidence, and social connections. There is not a finish line where someone becomes “physically literate.” It is a lifelong journey.
Every time you learn a new skill, explore a new activity, encourage someone else to participate, or simply choose to get moving, you are building your Physical Literacy. Because movement has never been just about exercise. It is about confidence. It is about connection. It is about creating healthier people, stronger communities, and a more active Northwest Territories.
Who knows, maybe one day the Northwest Territories will finally formalize the Snowball Fighting Territorial Sport Organization. If that ever happens, we are going to need athletes with confidence, motivation, competence, and knowledge, not to mention some excellent throwing, dodging, teamwork, and decision making skills. Although … perhaps we should wait a little while before starting tryouts. Take a look outside.