Physical Literacy

Physical Literacy : A Major Asset for Our Kids

Physical literacy program presented by Manulife

Learning how to move is just as important as learning how to read or write. Our society is increasingly exposed to sedentary activities, and our kids spend too much time sitting. Let’s show them how to enjoy being active again! The Y’s physical literacy program teaches kids how to swim, throw and jump using educational tools and fun games.

What is physical literacy?

Physical literacy is not only about increasing physical skills (jump, throw, swim, etc.), but also about deepening children's confidence, motivation, understanding and knowledge so that they develop the desire to be physically active from an early age.

Where does physical literacy happen?

The physical literacy program first appeared in day camps in 2018. Today, it’s part of the day camp inclusion program for children with special needs and Camp YMCA Kanawana.

The program will be fully implemented throughout youth sports and physical activities across YMCA centres in 2021 and 2022.

Physical literacy at home

Your child is more likely to stay active if they draw satisfaction from what they’re doing and enjoy it. Talk about it at home and take an interest in how your child plays. Ask them to reflect on their day: :

Show me what you did today.
What would you like to do tonight?
Who do you like to play with?
What’s your favourite activity?

A few ways to stay active as a family

Download it and put it on the fridge!

Physical Literacy at the YMCA: Highlights

2020

UQAM’s research laboratory for motor development in children (Laboratoire de recherche en motricité de l’enfant), co-directed by researcher Mariève Blanchet, develops physical literacy tools and strategies for the YMCA to help all children be active.

2019

The Y developed 150 inclusive adaptations for day camp games and childcare services. These can be found on a free mobile app, PeP ton jeu. 75 new adaptations will be added in March 2020!

Concordia University’s Athletic Therapy Research Laboratory visited a few Y programs to test and develop a tool to evaluate youth physical literacy.

The YMCA received funding from MEES to develop physical literacy at Camp YMCA Kanawana.

The program gained recognition by the fitness industry in an in-depth article on what inclusive physical literacy means for children with special needs.

The Association des camps du Québec awarded the Prix d’excellence – Programmation et vie de camp to the inclusive physical literacy project in 2019.

2018

The Y co-founded the Collectif sur le développement de la littératie physique au Québec, in collaboration with the Réseau accès participation and Shape Up.

In 2018, a physical literacy pilot project for day camps received funding from Montréal, Physically Active, which paved the way for a collaboration with the Université de Montréal’s École de kinésiologie et de sciences de l’activité physique.

In 2018, the YMCA’s physical literacy program was launched thanks to a major donation from Manulife.

Physical literacy tools

How to modify your game
To expand your activity bank with variations

Social Stories - Go to the pool
This colourful story helps children prepare for swimming.

Social stories - You can't always win
This colourful story helps children understand that they don't always win and that the important thing is to participate.

Social stories - I'm a positive player
This colourful story helps children participate in a positive way by sharing with others and by following the rules.