Get a Move On
Story appeared in the 2017 issue of QMS Connections Magazine.
BY SUSAN CRUIKSHANK, JUNIOR SCHOOL PRINCIPAL AND KIRSTIN BAINS, JUNIOR SCHOOL ATHLETIC DIRECTOR
So often, parents and visitors to Queen Margaret’s School comment on how wonderful it is to see our Junior School students enjoying a vigorous physical education (PE) class or extracurricular sports practice on the field.
What does a math class look and sound like when students are engaged in creative mathematical experiences? Focusing on the students’ natural sense of curiosity by posing a question or problem allows students to take the lead and explore.
They appreciate seeing the students having fun and participating in some good old-fashioned exercise outside in the fresh air. While it is true that PE classes and participation in sports encourage our students to burn off energy and have fun, there is much more to it.
I spoke recently to Kirstin Bains, our Junior School Athletic Director, about the importance of providing opportunities for children to participate in physical activities at an early age. She explained that children develop their physical literacy skills through participation in a range of sports. Physical literacy is about getting kids active while they develop confidence in their physical abilities. Just as young students learn early literacy and numeracy to develop confidence and skill with reading and numbers, so too they must have opportunities to learn to move in a range of physical activities and settings to become a physically literate person.
Physical and Health Education Canada cites research that shows that being a physically active adult depends on a person’s ability to feel confident in a particular activity. In other words, if a person learns fundamental movement and skills for a sport early on, they are more likely to have an attitude of confidence and competence in that sport as an adult. Without the development of physical literacy, many children and youth do not have the confidence to participate in sports activities and may turn to less active and potentially unhealthy choices. This focus on lifelong participation in physical activity must begin at an early age so children can develop overall athletic skills which can be transferable to different sports they may wish to try later in life.
Mrs. Bains went on to explain that one of our ongoing goals is to ensure all of our Junior School students participate in at least 30 minutes of physical activity per day. This goal can be achieved through PE classes, extracurricular sports, intramural games, recess activities or athletic pursuits outside of school. We also want to ensure that QMS students have opportunities to participate in a variety of physical activities including dance, games, individual sports, teams, outdoor sports and more. Our hope is for students to develop the confidence and motivation now to pursue these activities in the future. For, as we know, regular physical activity is an important part of a balanced life. Regular physical activity is key for adults to reduce stress, improve health and add to our overall enjoyment of life.
Of course, participation in physical activities is even more fun when families engage in them together. This year, as part of Canada’s 150 Celebrations, Canadians have been encouraged to take on the ParticipACTION 150 Playlist. This list of 150 uniquely Canadian activities is a challenge to all of us to get out and try something new! Pickleball, paddle boarding, dancing, and curling are just a few of the suggestions on the list. What a great source of physical activity ideas for families to try together! And what a great way for adults to act as positive role models for our children as we encourage a healthy, balanced approach to life.
A fun challenge such as the ParticipACTION 150 Playlist is just one way we can incorporate physical activity into our everyday lives. If time is a barrier to participating in physical activity, families can find ways to build it into their normal routine. For example, walk or ride a bike to pick up groceries, park farther away from your destination and walk the rest of the way. If it is too challenging to free up an uninterrupted half hour, or plan to do 10 minutes of physical activity three times per day. Regardless of how you do it, the main goal is to get up and move!
So, when you see students enjoying time on the sports field, remember that we are working toward building some important lifelong habits. They are in the process of developing the attitudes and skills of a physically literate person who will enjoy the benefits of athletics, sports and movement for a lifetime.
