The Chameleon Within: Series One – A Child’s Perspective

By Fiona Ware, Higher Education Academic, University of Exeter.

Considering the ambiguity of leisure through a chameleon metaphor, this three-series article was inspired by Snape et al. (2017), recognising physical activity through a similar lens. As physical literacy acknowledges, one’s motivation, perspectives, experiences and opportunities to be physically active is individual, adapting and evolving throughout life. Created to explore three perspectives; the child; the guardian and the adult, the series aims to consider the role of physical literacy, together with how individuals can engage with this concept, inspiring meaning, intentionality and flourishment through physical activity.

Widely recognised is the value and significance of physical activity as a key contribution to developing a child’s healthy life; physically, psychologically and socially. As children, the chameleon is within, the changing colours representative of their ability to sense-make, adapt and evolve, drawing upon every experience, opportunity and environment. Physical activity provides a platform for children to flourish, explore and evolve their chameleon features – unique, active, inquisitive and adaptable.

Physical literacy supports the holistic development of a child, recognising the importance of the physical domain, but in the knowledge that for this to be successful, there is a wider contribution of attributes and circumstances which will ensure this is embedded throughout life.

Through a child’s eyes, when possibility and opportunity align, movement and physical activity become much more…

For a child, the metaphorical physical activity path is ready to commence and nurture, building the foundations to be motivated, confident and become lifelong movers, the future of active generations.

However, it is important to recognise that the foundations are built and developed by a community; no single responsibility, but with an expectation that the community contributes to promoting, facilitating and inspiring movement. Supporting children to understand the foundations of being physically active, are the key attributes of physical literacy; beyond the movement and physical competencies, is the opportunity to develop belongingness through motivation, confidence, knowledge and understanding, shaping positive behaviours, meaningful experiences and through imagination, encouraging children to recognise their own contribution and personal achievements.

With a sense of wonder, take a fresh view of the path, the boundless opportunities to cultivate an exceptional and bespoke physical activity journey, one without expectations and constraints; one which purposefully deviates, differs from others, and with intention, encourages uniqueness, exploration and discovery. To our children, always remember the chameleon within; ignite your imagination, explore opportunities, be inquisitive, seek challenges, create and grasp new experiences, building the physical activity foundations which encourage you to look forward, flourish and be physically active for life.