Supporting Lifelong Active Learners

SUPPORTING LIFE-LONG ACTIVE LEARNERS

The importance of physical literacy in the development of our children and youth is foundational to what schools do and for the success of our youth throughout their journey in life. Children need to learn reading writing and math but they also need to understand how to move and be physically active. Without proper physical education and health instruction our children may not be as healthy, focused, and open to learn in any environment.

Physical literacy may be the key to supporting our children’s development and learning as healthy, active, and well individuals. These life skills have become even more relevant in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic and the current state of our communities, country, and world.

So how can the concept of physical literacy be implemented and supported throughout education, recreation, and sport in our province? The Saskatchewan Physical Education Association (SPEA) is one such organization that provides leadership and supports advocacy to physical educators and individuals committed to enhancing and developing physically active and healthy youth within our schools and communities. SPEA is a Professional Growth Network that is part of the Saskatchewan Teacher’s Federation (STF). We are a non-profit incorporated organization that provides quality leadership, advocacy, and resources for professionals in physical education and wellness to positively influence the lifestyles of Saskatchewan’s children and youth. It is our mission to promote and support active healthy lifestyles through the development of physical education, recreation, and sport at all levels of the educational system. SPEA strongly supports physical educators in their instruction and implementation of the provincial physical education K-12 curriculum. Our organization was an active participant in the development and support of the new Physical Education 20 and Physical Education 30 curriculum that was implemented in Saskatchewan schools over the past school year.

The promotion of quality daily physical education (QDPE) is a way of ensuring that students receive 30 minutes of quality physical education instruction and activity on a daily basis. These efforts ultimately support the promotion of physical literacy and how healthy active learners can be part of every individual’s life-long journey. Providing support to all stakeholders that value the importance of physical education and physical literacy is a vital piece to creating healthy and well adjusted children and youth in our province.

To find out more about SPEA‘s efforts to promote physical literacy and physical education in the province please feel free to contact us.

Reg Leidl

Saskatchewan Physical Education Association www.speaonline.com

SPEA receives financial assistance from the Saskatchewan Parks and Recreation Association, through the Saskatchewan Lotteries Trust Fund for Sport, Culture and Recreation.