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The APPLE Model:
Active Play and Physical Literacy Everyday!

The APPLE Model is a basic theoretical framework which shows how active play and physical literacy relate to the values of Early Childhood Philosophy.

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The core of the APPLE is the basic definition of physical literacy (Whitehead, 2010): the motivation (love of movement), confidence, and competence to move for a lifetime.​​

"SKIN" of the APPLE

RELATIONSHIPS

ENVIRONMENT

Active play builds relationships in many ways - among children, between children and educators, and between educators and parents. Educators understand how to provide opportunities that encourage child-led play and challenge all

children to reach above themselves.

Children learn to work together, negotiate,

settle disputes, and problem solve when

they develop positive relationships

with others. When educators,

supervisors, and parents work

together to understand the value

and benefits of active play, children

and the adults in their lives benefit

in multiple ways.

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Educators create stimulating environments that excite children’s curiosity and provide opportunities for them to explore new

and thrilling movements and

equipment. This exposure

enables children to develop

new skills. When children find

that something doesn’t work,

they work out better ways to

move and conquer a task

enhancing resilience and

problem-solving skills.

PLAY

            Young children learn through

play that is joyful and that they

direct. Children love to explore

what intrigues them and practice

over and over until they achieve

a sense of mastery. Watching young

children playing with something they

have chosen or discovered is watching

time disappear. Children need at least 45 minutes to plan and organize their play

so extended play times are provided each day.

ENGAGEMENT

Thoughtful educators know how to

engage with children to facilitate or

extend the play. They know that their

active participation when children request it

and modelling to show how exciting a new

adventure can be will encourage and support

children. When children begin to challenge

themselves by trying to climb higher or using tools,

the role of the educator becomes that of an engaged

supervisor. Educators may guide children to use tools safely or learn how to move their hands and feet to climb. Educators don’t interrupt the play or caution children to “be careful”. Instead, they let children know that they are close by if needed but also ensure the children can do it – by themselves.

The IMPORTANCE of APPLE Model

Physical literacy is as important to healthy child development as other literacies such as reading, writing, and numeracy. The benefits of being physical literate are many – cognitive, social, emotional, as well as physical. When the APPLE Model is incorporated into programs for young children, physical literacy is visible in all parts of the environment and in all that children do. Children are eager to move in many ways and love to practice until they have a mastered a new skill. Then they are ready to challenge themselves with something new. They are creative, curious, and capable of developing complex play involving others. They plan and make decisions. They focus and ignore distractions so the play won’t be interrupted. They regulate their emotions so that everyone can participate which reduces stress and anxiety. As a result, children feel confident and competent in their own abilities and ready to tackle the larger world.
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