On Thursday (March 16), the Rocky View School Board was asked to get out of their chairs. As a series of statments were read, they were asked to assume various positions if they were in agreement.

The interactive demonstration was part of a presentation by Principal Susan Parker and teachers Heather Nusl and Tasha Royer from Cochrane's Elizabeth Barrett School, who were on hand to talk about the school's Movement Matters program. The program came about due to a $25,000 grant from the Royal Bank of Canada, and focuses on physical literacy.

Parker explained that many people think physical literacy is about being active, but it is actually much more than that.

"We want kids to be active, but it's about teaching kids the actual movement skills, the fundamental movement skills, because when they know those skills, then they're better able to take part in sport, be successful, and then they're more motivated and it just creates that really healthy link. The more motivated they are, the more they're going to be involved in sport, and hopefully for life."

According to Parker, physical literacy is about teaching students a vocabulary of movements. She provided an example.

"For example, if children are told to throw a ball, they can try. Boys seem to do this skill much easier than girls, and there could be a whole variety of reasons why. So it's really important that teachers are teaching kids that when you throw a ball, you lead with your elbow, follow through with your hand."

The program tries to get students active outside of gym class, and incorporates activity in all aspects of their education. The demonstration at the School Board Meeting was an example of how students get active. They also jump up to answer questions rather than raise their hands, and have resources such as rocking chairs, stand up desks and movement tools that allow the students to move during classes.

The grant is coming to an end, but Parker is hopeful that the program can continue on. Teachers have been trained to ensure the program is prolonged, and the school has also created videos that can be used. Parker is also hopeful that the program will expand to the rest of Rocky View. Other schools nearby are already on board, and Parker said some Airdrie schools have started similar programs thanks to grant funding. Collaboration will help the program catch on.

"Our next steps are to connect, so that we can share our resources and make sure that it can roll out to more schools."

 

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