{"id":929,"date":"2018-10-02T09:21:46","date_gmt":"2018-10-02T13:21:46","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ppahp.nipissingu.ca\/?p=929"},"modified":"2018-10-02T09:21:46","modified_gmt":"2018-10-02T13:21:46","slug":"canadas-first-state-of-the-nation-report-on-childrens-physical-literacy","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/wpms.nipissingu.ca\/northpa\/canadas-first-state-of-the-nation-report-on-childrens-physical-literacy\/","title":{"rendered":"Canada\u2019s First \u201cState of the Nation\u201d Report on Children\u2019s Physical Literacy"},"content":{"rendered":"

Results from Canadian Assessment of Physical Literacy findings on more than 10,000 children<\/strong><\/p>\n

North Bay, ON, October 2, 2018 \u2013 The results from a large national research project led by the Healthy Active Living and Obesity Research Group (HALO) at the CHEO Research Institute shows that about two-thirds of Canadian children haven\u2019t achieved an acceptable level of physical literacy.<\/p>\n

Physical literacy is the motivation, confidence, physical competence, knowledge and understanding to value and take responsibility for engagement in physical activities for life. Physically literate children are fit, active and healthy children, which sets them up for life. Dr. Barbi Law and Dr. Brenda Bruner here at Nipissing University were part of the cross-Canada study team that has released the first \u201cState of the Nation\u201d report on physical literacy in children in this country.<\/p>\n

Dr. Law and Dr. Bruner are the authors of Associations between teacher training and measures of physical literacy among Canadian 8- to 12-year old students,<\/em> one of the fourteen articles that looked at different aspects of physical literacy and the Canadian Assessment of Physical Literacy (CAPL). This article was part of a special supplement in the journal BMC Public Health (LINK to http:\/\/bit.ly\/BMCCAPL<\/a>).  <\/p>\n

More than 10,000 children, aged 8 to 12, from 11 cities across the country participated in the study from 2014 to 2017. Using the Canadian Assessment of Physical Literacy (CAPL), children were assessed on a number of different areas, such as step counts and questions about daily activities.<\/p>\n

\u201cIn our paper we are seeking to gain a better understanding of teachers\u2019 role in the development of physical literacy, both generalist teachers and those who have specialized in physical education.  If we as a country truly value health and physical literacy, we need to continue to monitor how our children are progressing, as we do with other forms of literacy which are assessed through standard measures, such as the EQAO tests in Ontario,\u201d said Dr. Law.  \u201cMore research is needed to determine how to better support all teachers in promoting the development of physical literacy, which includes movement skills, but also the motivation and confidence to participate in physical activities.\u201d<\/p>\n

Some highlights from Dr. Law and Dr. Bruner\u2019s paper include:<\/p>\n