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Boing Kids: Creating Fun Games That Promote Physical Literacy

At the 2019 UK Coaching Conference, Director of Research Will Roberts and Lead Coach Kit Cutter explained that Boing Kids was founded to improve physical literacy in children. Charlotte Potterton attended the workshop to discover the six defining principles of their evidence-based games

Alongside its involvement in schools, the Boing Kids research project, which aims to target inactivity in children through a play-based approach to PE and physical activity, offers a selection of replicable, evidence-based games intended to improve physical literacy and encourage children to enjoy getting active.  

Boing Kids Director of Research Will Roberts discovered that, ultimately, children want to have fun and play. They’re not always interested in drills, and explicit skill development can even be off-putting for some children, applying unwanted pressure and eroding their motivation to get involved, but games that are simple, fun and active are likely to capture their interest. 

Six defining principles

At Boing Kids, their games are characterised by six defining principles: the 6 Cs. They’re intended to ensure that the Boing’s games not only improve physical literacy in children, but also have a positive impact on other life skills, such as decision-making and interpersonal skills such as teamwork. 

Even when the games are modified, either to better apply to a sport or physical activity or to add in progressions to encourage further development, they should still meet the parameters defined by the 6 Cs. 

Boing Kids’ 6 Cs: 

  1. Games should be captivating: everyone taking part should enjoy themselves 
  2. Games should be challenging: everyone involved should have the opportunity to meet and solve challenging but achievable problems 
  3. Games should involve constant play: no children should be obliged to sit out; if they do get out, they should have the opportunity to join in again soon 
  4. Games should promote collaboration: once your group is familiar with the game, encourage them to work with you to make their own rules 
  5. Games should encourage creative decision-making: everyone involved should feel empowered to make their own decisions and think outside the box 
  6. Games should celebrate progress: each child will experience success at different times. It’s crucial to recognise and celebrate even the little moments!

Applying Boing Kids' Principles

In our guide for subscribers, find out more about the Boing Kids research project, including the implications for skill development, the importance of context, and the personal characteristics they develop in children

Read more

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