Submit your papersSubmit Now
For Enquiries: [email protected]
IIARD LogoIIARD

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 literacyStudent; School.

References

Bennett, K., Cairney, J., Veldman, S., & Longmuir, P. E. (2023). Physical literacy and children’s health outcomes. Journal of Physical Education Research, 10(3), 45–62. Cairney, J., Kiez, T., Roetert, E. P., & Kriellaars, D. (2020). Understanding the factors that influence physical literacy across the lifespan: A social ecological approach. Journal of Teaching in Physical Education, 39(3), 421–427. Edwards, L. C., Bryant, A. S., Keegan, R. J., Morgan, K., & Jones, A. M. (2019). Definitions, foundations and associations of physical literacy: A systematic review. Sports Medicine, 47(1), 1–16. Graham, G., & Holt, C. (2021). Promoting physical activity in elementary education: A holistic perspective. American Journal of Physical Literacy, 29(4), 12– 23. Longmuir, P. E., & Tremblay, M. S. (2020). Top 10 research questions related to physical literacy. Research Quarterly for Exercise and Sport, 91(3), 319–328. Rodriguez, M., & Kim, S. (2024). Physical activity engagement and early education. Physical Literacy Review, 15(1), 87–94. Saito, M., & Meyer, J. (2023). Inclusive approaches in physical education for primary schools. International Journal of Physical Education Pedagogy, 27(2), 101– 120. Shearer, C., Gosselin, J., & Leonard, D. (2023). Physical literacy assessment in schools: Techniques and outcomes. Educational Psychology in Practice, 39(1), 43– 59. Tremblay, M. S., Longmuir, P. E., Barnes, J. D., & Belanger, K. (2018). Physical literacy levels of Canadian children. Canadian Journal of Public Health, 109(5–6), 857–865. Whitehead, M. (2010). Physical literacy: Throughout the lifecourse. Routledge

More Articles from INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF EDUCATION AND EVALUATION