Physical Literacy | Health Literacy |

 

Literacy in PE + HE

The term literacy often makes a connection to reading and writing; however, it has a broader definition that refers to having knowledge related to a specific subject. Literacy as a construct (an idea or theory) is driven by context (subject or setting), and to be literate in a specific topic, a person must learn about that topic.

Literacy is the goal for physical education (PE) and health education (HE) programs.

Defining Literacy

SHAPE America uses the following definitions when referring to physical literacy and health literacy.

Physical Literacy: An individual's ability, confidence and desire to be physically active for life. 
Health Literacy: An individual's capacity to access information, resources and services necessary to maintaining and promoting health.

The following resources are available to help teachers, coaches administrators and parents guide all children through this lifelong journey:

• Physical literacy articles
• Health literacy articles
• National Standards and Outcomes for K-12 Physical Education
• National Health Education Standards

Learn more about physical literacy and health literacy now.