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Developing Motor Skills and Boosting Primary School Students’ Motivation Through a Didactic Program Grounded in Motor Literacy

Fernando Sarracino, Federica Badii Esposito, Giovanni Tafuri

Abstract

Physical literacy is fundamental to children’s growth because it cultivates movement competence, self-confidence, and the desire to maintain an active lifestyle. This experimental research explores changes in physical literacy among primary pupils through the Canadian Assessment of Physical Literacy, second edition (CAPL-2), which offers a holistic evaluation of both motor abilities and motivational factors critical to healthy living. Sixty students aged 8–10 took part in a 12-week program led by a certified physical-education instructor. Mixed-method analyses showed notable gains in motor proficiency and motivation, emphasizing the value of well-structured, inclusive initiatives for the long-term enhancement of physical literacy.

Keywords

Physical literacy Student; School.

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