What is the focus of physical activity for children in regards to developing skills?

The focus of physical activity for children centers on fostering enjoyment and physical literacy. This emphasis is essential because it helps children develop a positive relationship with physical activity, which can lead to lifelong participation in sports and fitness. Encouraging enjoyment means that children are more likely to engage willingly in activities, see them as fun, and remain active.

Physical literacy—defined as the ability and confidence to be active in a variety of settings—includes developing fundamental movement skills such as running, jumping, throwing, and catching. When children achieve a level of physical literacy, they not only improve their motor skills but also their confidence, which is crucial for their overall development.

In contrast, while developing competitive techniques, maximizing strength training, and encouraging endurance activities have their places in physical development, these focuses are generally more suited to specific age groups or skill levels, often disregarding the broader goals suitable for children. Emphasizing enjoyment and a broad range of skills forms the foundation that supports all other aspects of physical development as they grow.