New Directions in Daily Physical Activity: Integral Education, Yoga and Physical Literacy

Authors

  • Karen Ragoonaden University of British Columbia Okanagan
  • Sabre Cherkowski University of British Columbia Okanagan
  • Stephen Berg University of British Columbia Okanagan

Keywords:

Daily Physical Actvity, Physical Literacy, Integral Yoga, Primary Education

Abstract

The aim of this pilot project was to determine if Yoga, as a daily physical activity (DPA), promotes elements of physical literacy in primary school children. Using an Integral Education framework, we examined educational behaviours, educational experiences, educational culture and educational systems of the teacher and the students. Within the parameters of a short-term observational study, one co-researcher observed the Yoga practice and a second co-researcher observed the level of physical literacy of the grade one students. We found that Yoga can be an innovative way of engaging grade one students in daily physical activity, that the development of certain types of physical literacy can engender positive self esteem and self confidence, and can promote the development of perceptive and empathetic interaction with the self and with others.

 

Ce projet pilote a fait l'étude du yoga et le savoir-faire physique comme composantes  du programme de l'éducation physique quotidienne (EPQ). En se référant au cadre conceptuel de l'éducation intégrale, nous avons examiné les comportements éducatifs, les expériences éducatives, les cultures éducatives et les systèmes éducatifs de l'enseignant et des étudiants. Selon les paramètres d'une étude observationnelle, un co-chercheur a observé les sessions de yoga  et un deuxième co-chercheur a observé le savoir-faire physique des participants. Nous avons constaté que le savoir-faire physique et le yoga sont des approches innovatrices qui servent à engager les enfants dans l'éducation physique quotidienne, contribuent au développement d'un estime de soi positif et une confiance en soi et peuvent favoriser le développement d'une interaction empathique entre l'enfant et son environnement.

Author Biographies

Karen Ragoonaden, University of British Columbia Okanagan

Karen Ragoonaden is a certified Yoga instructor and an assistant professor in the Faculty of Education, UBC Okanagan. Her research interests lie in the area of Yoga, Health, Wellness, Education and Diversity.

Sabre Cherkowski, University of British Columbia Okanagan

Sabre Cherkowski is certified Fitness Trainer and an assistant professor in the Faculty of Education, UBC Okanagan

Stephen Berg, University of British Columbia Okanagan

Stephen Berg is a specialist in elementary physical education and an assistant professor in the Faculty of Education, UBC Okanagan

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Published

2012-03-16

Issue

Section

Feature Articles / Articles de fond