Physical Literacy
Project summary:
The LHA Physical Literacy Working Group (PLWG) was established in 2021 to take the concept of ‘physical literacy’ through Latrobe Health Assembly (LHA)’s triple diamond model. The group is a collaboration of motivated advocates and stakeholders aiming to build individual and community capacity when it comes to active lifestyle principals to ultimately improve health and wellbeing. Underpinned by five main principals, the working group aims to collaborate with community, educate and share knowledge, inspire and build capacity, innovate and create new ways of approaching physical literacy, and advocate for physical literacy inclusion across a range of sectors.
In July 2022, LHA partnered with Federation University to conduct a scoping project to generate new findings and insights about how to collaborate to build Physical Literacy in Latrobe Valley.
As a result of this project, the working group have developed a charter which maps out the areas of focus and the visual identity.
Guided by the principles of the Australian Physical Literacy Framework, the LHA Physical Literacy Working Group aims to build individual and community capacity to create positive changes/ lifelong habits towards an active lifestyle to improve health and wellbeing.
The following are some of the projects that are currently under development:
- An innovative approach to walking groups: How to build physical literacy through walking groups.
- Expand access to school spaces
- Expand access to sporting club spaces
- Explore opportunities to trial equipment hire at Moe skate park
The Latrobe Health Assembly and local partners are collaborating to create an informed, empowered and confident Latrobe Valley community that participates in regular physical activity.
Physical Literacy is key to achieving this.
Physical Literacy is about building the skills, knowledge, and behaviours to lead active lives.
Physical Literacy domains
Click on one of the four domains below to find out more.
The skills and fitness a person develops and applies through movement. This includes coordination, balance, flexibility, agility, strength, endurance and reaction time.
How do you build your movement skills?
- At school during PE
- After school activities such as dance, sport or play
- At the playground
- All abilities playground equipment
- Gentle exercise or rehabilitation group
- Yoga or tai chi
- Gardening and housework
- Exercise equipment in the park
Click on the links below for some great examples of initiatives that help build Movement skills.
The attitudes and emotions a person has towards movement and the impact they have on their confidence and motivation to move. This includes confidence, motivation, self-perception, and self-regulation of emotions.
How do you find the motivation and confidence to move?
- Increasing the degree of difficulty in an activity
- Participating in activities you enjoy
- Seeking different environment to undertake an activity you enjoy
- Public facilities that allow to you do activities you enjoy
- Free and easy access to spaces
- Informal activities with friends in the park
- Trying new activities
Click on the links below for some great examples of initiatives that encourage finding enjoyment in Movement.
A person’s interaction with others in relation to movement. This includes relationships, collaboration, ethics, and culture in society.
How do you interact with others during movement?
- Walking with a friend or group
- Working out with a gym buddy
- Team sports
- Playing basketball at the park
- Skateboarding at the local skatepark
- Multigenerational playspaces
Click on the links below for some great examples of initiatives that encourage social interaction during Movement.
A person’s understanding of how, why and when they move. This includes safety and risk, rules, reasoning, strategy and planning, perceptual awareness and tactics.
How do you gain knowledge around movement?
- Participating in risky play eg. Climbing trees
- Stopping play when it’s too hot
- Participating in an exercise group
- Volunteering at a lifesaving club
- Reading the surf conditions at a local beach
Click on the links below for some great examples of initiatives that increase knowledge around Movement.
The Physical Literacy Charter
The Latrobe Health Assembly Physical Literacy working group has developed a charter which outlines how we work, the research that underpins this, and a number of recommendations for how we plan to bring our vision to life.
Our work is based on the Australian Physical Literacy Framework developed by the Australian Sports Commission. This framework creates a shared understanding about physical literacy and how it can be developed by all Australians.
In 2022 the Latrobe Health Assembly partnered with Federation University to conduct a Physical Literacy Scoping Project: Children and Families. The research involved interviews with key stakeholders from health promotion, physical activity, education, sport, recreation, and recreation planning, as well as a survey to gain insights from the Latrobe community. Key themes identified in the research included the importance of developing a shared understanding of physical literacy, supporting and increasing access, and developing partnerships.
