APPLE Model helps early childhood educators incorporate physical literacy

It was developed as a framework to help ECEs understand how to incorporate physical literacy into their playrooms and playgrounds. (You can download poster-sized images or order postcards from our free downloads page on Active for Life.)

The “core” of the APPLE is the definition of physical literacy: the motivation, confidence, and competence to move for a lifetime. The “skin” of the APPLE reflects four aspects of active play important for all children:

• Environment

• Play

• Engagement

• Relationships

Relationships are developed by active play in a variety of contexts, including between kids and teachers as well as between parents and teachers. Teachers know how to set up situations that promote child-led play and push every kid to go beyond their comfort zones. Positive relationships with others help children learn how to solve problems, cooperate, negotiate, and settle conflicts. Children get numerous advantages, as do the adults in their life, when educators, managers, and parents collaborate to recognize the importance of active play.

Just as critical to a child’s healthy development as other literacies like reading, writing, and numeracy is physical literacy. Being physically literate has numerous advantages, including mental, social, emotional, and physical benefits.

When early childhood programs integrate the APPLE Model, physical literacy is evident in every aspect of the surroundings and in all that kids do. Youngsters love to move in a variety of ways and to practice new skills until they are proficient in them. At that point, they’re prepared to take on a new challenge.

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