1. BRENDAN BUCHANAN, CHRIS DEFEYTER, CREIGHTON PEARSE Motivating Kids in Physical Activity

2. Overview 3 major motives:  Perceived Competence  Social Acceptance and Support  Enjoyment and Fun Other benefits  Connectedness  Academics

3. Factors That Influence Motivation Perceived competency - Kids who believe they are good at physical activities will be more likely to continue being active

4. Factors That Influence Motivation Social Support  Many different factors influence a child’s perceived competency  Parents, Teachers, Peers

5. Factors That Influence Motivation Enjoyment of physical activities - If physical activity is fun, it is more desirable for kids -Definition of enjoyment changes as age changes - Young children enjoy just playing and being with friends - As you get older care more about competing and improving ability

6. How Can We Help? Teachers - Provide challenges suited to the individual student - Create a climate where goals can be met - Make PE fun - Use positive reinforcement Give all students attention, not just “good” students

7. How Can We Help? Parents -Recognize importance of physical activity, and support physical interests of the the child - Be physically active themselves, and show they enjoy it - Be confident of child’s ability, without being to overbearing

8. Bad Example http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FjTQV6CjAPE

9. How Can We Help? Peers - Friendships are key aspects of continuing physical activity - Be supportive of peers during activity - Can give kids other people to be physically active with outside of classroom or practice

10. Connectedness and Academics Connection formed through activities such as sports between classmates and faculty Dropout rates lower when participating in interscholastic activities Connectedness key determinant of academic achievement and educational attainment

11. “Significant adults are primed to structure the environment and exhibit behaviors that enhance children’s physical competency beliefs, self-esteem, and enjoyment of physical activity. In turn, these perceptions and emotions are the keys to solving the mystery of motivating kids in physical activity”