A Cochrane-based children and youth program will be launching a new program this fall that aims to support the development of those teaching physical skills to local children.
This November, Sport 4 Life Cochrane plans to kick off Cochrane’s Physical Literacy Leadership Academy (PLLAY), an initiative that hopes to help individuals incorporate sport-specific and general physical activity into teaching and coaching programs.
“People here in Cochrane, they believe in physical literacy, they know it’s important, but we’re not seeing it implemented,” said Lea Norris, spokesperson for Sport 4 Life Cochrane. “This curriculum will empower people working with Cochrane’s youth. It will give them the tools to integrate physical literacy skills into their programs.”
The program is open to — but not limited to — parents, teachers, coaches, volunteers and recreation leaders. Norris said she’s hoping the program will draw about 10 individuals, each with a passion to teach youth and help them to develop into confident athletes and/or participants.
Cochrane PLLAY will run for about six months, meeting about once a month for seminars, said Norris. The current draft of the curriculum involves a take home quiz, developing lesson plans, observing youth completing these tasks and learning to correct the skills taught in the lessons. The concrete course format has yet to be finalized, Norris added.
Norris said the course’s practical application component sets it apart from other sport and physical development certifications.
Physical literacy is defined by Physical and Health Education Canada as the development of the fundamental movement and sport skills that permit a child to move confidently and with control in a variety of different situations. These movements can include the general active movements of jumping, kicking and throwing.
“Like reading skills, physical literacy gives kids the option to do what they like with these tools,” Norris said. “Maybe they want to use these skills to excel. But maybe they just want to use these skills as a function.”
Applicants will be selected backed on their background, their goals and their ability to participate in the program’s activities.
Tuition for the program is $200.
Applications can be requested at [email protected] and must include a letter from a sponsor agency.
