Why focus on physical literacy with children who haven't hit puberty yet

Title: Why physical literacy should lead the way for prepubescent kids

If you’re studying Exercise is Medicine (EIM) at Level 2, you’ve probably stumbled on a deceptively simple question: when should we focus primarily on physical literacy? The answer isn’t about age charts alone, but about developmental windows and the kind of foundation we want kids to carry into adolescence and adulthood. The correct emphasis, in many settings, is with children who haven’t hit puberty yet. Let me explain why that early window is so vital, and how it translates into real-world action for coaches, teachers, clinicians, and families.

What is physical literacy, really?

Think of physical literacy as a four-legged stool: movement competence, motivation, confidence, and knowledge about physical activity. When all four sides are sturdy, kids don’t just move; they choose to move. They run to the playground with curiosity, they try a new game without fear, and they understand, at a basic level, how different activities affect their bodies. In the EIM framework, physical literacy isn’t a one-and-done skill; it’s an ongoing conversation between the brain, the body, and the environment. And it starts long before kids join organized sports or formal workouts.

Why the prepubescent window matters

Here’s the thing about early development: that’s when the brain and body are most plastic, most responsive to new movement experiences. Between ages around 3 and 10, children rapidly acquire fundamental movement patterns—walking, hopping, catching, throwing, balancing, rolling. These are not just “kids’ skills.” They are the building blocks for future coordination, athletic potential, and even the ease with which a person engages in daily activities like biking to the store or helping in the garden.

There’s a practical reason professionals emphasize early literacy in movement. When kids master a broad palette of movement patterns early, they form a repertoire they can draw on later. If a child spends formative years bouncing between structured drills and repetitive, narrow tasks, the window to experience fluid, confident motion can close a bit too quickly. That doesn’t mean older kids and adults can’t learn new skills; it just means the path is smoother and more enjoyable when the foundation is strong.

In addition, early positive experiences with movement help shape attitudes toward physical activity. If a child learns to associate movement with success, playfulness, and social connection, they’re more likely to carry that mindset into adolescence and adulthood. On the flip side, if movement feels discouraging or frustrating during those early years, a negative relationship with activity can emerge and linger.

What kinds of activities build physical literacy?

The goal isn’t to turn every kid into a future Olympian. It’s to give them a broad, enjoyable toolkit for everyday life. Activities should be varied, age-appropriate, and safe, with just enough challenge to keep things interesting. Here are some practical ideas that align with early movement literacy:

• Explore the fundamentals: jumping, hopping, skipping, crawling, balancing on lines or low beams, catching and throwing soft objects. Start simple, layer in difficulty, and celebrate small wins.

• Use play as the vehicle: tag games, obstacle courses, scavenger hunts, ball games that emphasize touch and control rather than scorekeeping.

• Encourage big-body play: climbing, climbing walls, playground structures, river rocks or logs for balance beams. Big movements build confidence and body awareness.

• Mix in games that promote coordination: rhythmic clapping, beanbag toss, balloon volleyball, or musical chairs with a twist to keep coordination and timing fresh.

• Strength and control, safely introduced: animal walks (bear crawls, crab walks), gentle resistance activities with light bands or bodyweight tasks, all guided by age-appropriate cues.

• Endurance through fun, not fatigue: short, playful bouts of activity that raise heart rate but stay joyful—think a quick relay or a flag-football mini-game rather than long, repetitive drills.

• Social and emotional learning: group activities that require communication, turn-taking, and supportive coaching. Confidence grows when kids hear positive feedback and see peers succeed alongside them.

The trick is to balance novelty with repetition, challenge with success, and safety with exploration. Remember, the aim isn’t perfect technique at this stage; it’s a confident, curious, capable child who enjoys moving.

How this informs professionals working with young kids

For practitioners—whether you’re a clinician, coach, teacher, or community program leader—the emphasis on physical literacy in early childhood should shape your approach. Here are a few guiding ideas:

• Assess movement in a friendly way: observe how a child rolls, balances, or handles a ball. Look for smoothness, coordination, and control rather than “on-paper” skill perfection. Use simple, positive feedback loops: “Nice balance, I like how you kept your arms steady.”

• Provide a safe yet stimulating environment: clear space, age-appropriate equipment, and activities that invite exploration without fear of failure. Healthy risk-taking is part of literacy, but supervision and safety come first.

• Emphasize inclusive participation: every child, regardless of body type or ability, should move in a way that feels good and is achievable. Adapt activities with simple alternatives so kids stay engaged.

• Foster a love for movement beyond the gym: step outside for a family walk, turn chores into quick games, or set up a playful “movement station” in a living room or classroom. The more movement feels portable and fun, the more likely it will persist.

• Partner with families and educators: literacy grows where home and school reinforce it. Share simple, practical tips families can use at home, like short movement breaks after meals or during screen-free transitions.

• Integrate health education lightly: talk about why movement feels good, how it helps the heart and brain, and how sleep and nutrition support activity. Keep it simple and concrete.

Myths worth debunking

• Myth: Only athletes benefit from early physical literacy. Truth: Foundational movement skills support a healthy, active lifestyle across all interests and future domains.

• Myth: Prepubescent kids can’t handle structured training. Truth: Age-appropriate, playful, and varied activities can build literacy without overloading the child.

• Myth: Physical literacy stops mattering after puberty. Truth: The early foundation makes later skills easier to learn and everyday activity more enjoyable.

A few counterintuitive notes

You’ll hear people say “let kids be kids” and that’s fair, but it doesn’t imply a laissez-faire approach. A gentle, structured environment—where kids experience a mix of free play and guided learning—creates the best conditions for lasting movement confidence. Also, remember that early movement literacy is not just about skill; it’s about creating a positive relationship with activity. That mindset often translates into better adherence to activity later in life, even when social pressures or busy schedules arise.

Connecting to broader health and lifestyle themes

The logic circles back to the bigger picture of Exercise is Medicine: regular physical activity is medicine for the body and mind. When children learn to move with confidence and curiosity, they’re more likely to view activity as a natural, enjoyable part of daily life. That can reduce risk factors for chronic diseases down the road, improve mood and mood regulation, and support healthy sleep. It’s not about immediate outcomes; it’s about laying a durable groundwork for lifelong well-being.

A practical takeaway for classrooms, clinics, and community spaces

• Start with a simple movement audit: what movements does a child perform with ease, and where do they seem hesitant?

• Create a short, weekly movement menu: 4–6 activities that cover jumping, balancing, catching, and building strength. Keep it fresh but predictable enough to build confidence.

• Build routines that blend play and learning: a “move, reflect, retry” cycle. Move for a few minutes, talk about what felt good, then try a small tweak or new challenge.

• Involve caregivers: share easy, repeatable activities that families can do at home, in the park, or after dinner. The more coherence between environments, the more literacy grows.

A closing thought

The case for focusing primarily on physical literacy with prepubescent children isn’t about denying the needs of older groups. It’s about recognizing a critical window when kids are most open to discovering movement as a joyful, natural part of life. When we meet children there—with patience, play, and practical guidance—we set them up for healthier choices for decades to come. And yes, that ripple effect matters far beyond the gym floor: it spills into classroom focus, social interactions, and the everyday energy that families rely on.

If you’re shaping programs, policies, or clinical strategies within the EIM framework, keep this question at the center: Are we meeting kids where they are, shaping their early experiences so movement feels effortless, enjoyable, and worth pursuing as they grow? If the answer is yes, you’re helping build a healthier future one joyful step at a time.