Playing
Active For Life
Raising Physically Literate Kids
General Overview: Active for Life is a not-for-profit organization out of Canada created to give families ideas and resources to develop physical literacy. With a variety of games and activities designed for children ages 1-12. With easy-to-understand instructions along with suggestions for how to use the activities, this well-designed website provides everything families need to incorporate more physical activity into their children’s lives. There is even a mobile app for finding activities when families are out and about. Features include the ability to sort activities by age and skill; free downloads including print outs, posters, outlines, and shareables; as well as information for how families can become school advocates.
Authentic Learning Experience:
The first activity listed is called Animal Friends and it requires no equipment and helps children ages 1-6 practice the skill of balance. This simply game would engage young children interested in pretending to be different animals. It can be played anywhere, and families could help young children practice hopping, walking, and moving around the play space in many different ways, building both vocabulary and physical skills.
Developmentally Appropriate Practices (child development, interest based, culturally appropriate): Active for Life provides a wide range of activities for all levels and abilities. These resources are available free of charge and are easily accessible on desktop and mobile devices.
Washington Early Learning Guidelines: Active for Life is appropriate for preschool children as they are learning to move independently in a variety of ways. These developmental guidelines are:
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Further develop movement skills using the whole body, such as walking, jumping, running, throwing and climbing. A child in a wheelchair might start and stop the chair and hold the body upright.
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Use both hands to grasp an object, such as catching a large ball.
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Balance briefly on one leg, such as for kicking a ball.
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Show coordination and balance, such as in walking along a line or a beam. • Enjoy vigorous play with peers and/or adults.
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Enjoy the challenge of trying new skills