Is Your Child Movement Ready? A Guide to Physical Literacy by Age

When you think about your child’s physical development, it’s easy to assume that they’ll just pick it up. After all, who really needs to learn to run, skip or throw, right?

But let’s turn the lens around for a second. Do you confidently sprint in a mums and dads race? Can you kick a ball with some purpose, or are you hoping it lands somewhere in the general direction? What about climbing a tree to retrieve a toy, or balancing on a log at the park? The truth is, many of us lose these skills, or never fully develop them in the first place.

That’s what physical literacy is all about.

So what is physical literacy?

It’s more than just running fast or scoring goals. Physical literacy is about developing the fundamental movement skills that underpin all forms of physical activity, skills that lead to confidence, competence and ultimately, a lifetime of enjoying movement.

It’s not about raising the next Olympic star (although who knows?). It’s about ensuring your child feels comfortable in their body, knows what it can do, and enjoys being active.

Here is why it’s SO SO IMPORTANT: physically skilled children tend to move more, play more and feel more confident. Children who struggle with these skills often end up sitting out, watching from the sidelines and missing out on friendships and experiences.

So, how do you support your children in developing these crucial skills?

Let’s break it down by age…

Age 0–6: Start With the Basics

At this stage, children learn to run, jump, balance and throw through play.

Here’s how you can help:

• Run, stop, change direction – Chasing games and tag are brilliant for this.

• Throwing and catching – Use soft toys, bean bags or balls of different sizes.

• Jump and balance – Jump over imaginary rivers, balance on painted lines or hop from one foot to the other.

• Try a balance bike – They’re a great way to build coordination and make transitioning to pedals much smoother later on.

  
  

At this stage, movement should be joyful, spontaneous and part of everyday life. Think less structured, more active and risky play.

Age 6–8 (girls) Age 6-9 (boys): Build On the Foundation

Now’s the time to start linking those skills together. It’s not just running, jumping and throwing, it’s also thinking. Kids this age can start combining movement with decision-making and begin building strength, stamina and coordination.

• Encourage daily unstructured play – Indoors, outdoors, rain or shine. Kids this age should get 60 minutes of vigorous physical activity everyday with you or with their pals.

• Continue throwing, catching and balancing - Try different sports and silly games to hone those skills.

• Forget the score – If they’re in a sport, choose programs that focus on fun and participation, not wins and losses.

  
  

This is the age of sampling. The more diverse the movement experiences, the better.

Age 8–11 (girls) / 9–12 (boys): Learn to Train (But Keep It Fun)

Children in this age group are ready for more structured training, but don’t mistake that for pressure to compete.

Here’s what’s key:

• Focus on practice over competition – The magic ratio? About 70% practice, 30% games.

• Stay flexible – Literally. Keep working on flexibility, coordination and control.

• Train for endurance and speed – Through relays, games and fun challenges. They don’t even have to know that they’re training if you make it fun, but they will be building up their stamina.

• Keep playtime sacred – Let them run wild with their friends outside of structured activities.

  
  

Children at this stage are developing more refined motor skills and can start learning to compete, but that doesn’t mean they have to win. In fact, losing in a safe space will better set them up for the future than constantly winning.

The Long Game

Helping your child become physically literate is one of the best investments you can make in their lifelong wellbeing. It’s not about medals or trophies, it’s about joy, confidence and resilience. And it all starts with play.

So, the next time your child invites you to chase, climb or jump, say yes. You might just rediscover your own physical literacy too.