British Journal Teaching of Physical Education - 2001
The Concept of Physical Literacy
Margaret Whitehead
Abstract
The paper introduces the concept of Physical Literacy and poses a series of questions in relation to the further development of the concept. These are:-
Firstly is the concept universal, or is it culturally grounded? Should we be trying to describe a physically literate individual in UK, or anywhere in the world?
Secondly is the concept age related? Should we refer to an end state achieved by an adult - whatever that means - or do we need to create a concept that can be unpacked at different stages of life - infancy, childhood, adolescence, adulthood, old age?
Thirdly where do the physically challenged fit in- those with a physical and/or another disability?
And fourthly how far should we include, what could be called for short, dexterity? Should we confine ourselves to movement involving larger muscle groups - for want of a better description?
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