Abstract
Adults must support children to develop the confidence, competence and motivation to be physically literate for life. The International Physical Literacy Association suggests that planning and implementing opportunities to foster physical literacy and encourage lifelong participation in physical activity may occur in a variety of contexts such as the home, schools, and community. Adults play a key role in the development of physical literacy not only in planning and offering opportunities to develop physical literacy but also through modeling behavior and valuing physical activity. This symposium will explore the role of adults in fostering physical literacy development, with an emphasis on the constructs of confidence and motivation, throughout the developmental period. Presentation #1 describes the development and implementation of a physical literacy education program for adult caregivers highlighting early childhood educators of infants, toddlers, and preschool children. Presentation #2 will delve into the role of physical education teachers in providing the necessary tools and opportunities to help school aged children be exposed to physical literacy opportunities. Presentation #3 will explore the importance of sport coaches' understanding child and youth physical literacy development from a psychological perspective, and possibilities for supporting this development. Finally, Presentation #4 will examine how the physiological and psychological makeup of a child needs to be considered by adults when targeting physical literacy development and continued physical activity participation by children and youth. Through these presentations it will become very clear that parents, early childhood caregivers, teachers, coaches, and other adults play a critical role in developing children's dispositions to be physically active for life and in shaping their physical literacy journey.
