ABSTRACT
This chapter outlines the ways in which physical literacy can be nurtured from birth and throughout early childhood as infants set out and make progress along their lifelong physical literacy journey. Physical development is evidenced by the growth in shape and size of the skeleto-muscular system and commensurate maturing of the internal body systems along with rapid development of the brain and neuro-muscular system throughout the early months and years. In infancy, learning is dependent on the early developing sensori-motor area of the brain and is achieved through moving, accompanied by the five senses of feeling, hearing, seeing, tasting and smelling. Physical activity is the key factor in both the development of the brain and the achievement of physical competence. Fostering physical literacy depends on capitalising on the three domains of affective, cognitive and physical. Nurturing the affective domain helps to ensure well-being, self-esteem, resilience and a “can do” attitude in physical activity.
