Accessible Resistance Movement Experiences for Elementary Students and Educators

Abstract

What is meant by accessible resistance movement and why is the elementary education phase proposed as such a superb period in a child’s life to gain competence and knowledge using resistance activity? This chapter presents a case and a means to do just that. The resistance program is called ‘I Can Resist’. It is shared with accompanying pedagogical methods to scaffold learning and progress motor competence and biomotor fitness (agility that improves health through skill-related fitness). Interleaved through the progressions are ways to increase the self-management in how to participate in and create meaningful ways to improve targeted benefits. ‘I Can Resist’ is designed for novices to more experienced, participants and tutors alike. It was developed primarily for physical education supporting national curricular policy and implementation as regards knowledge and fitness outcomes. It was extended beyond the curriculum expectation in order to encourage greater use of the available affordances beyond the curriculum for lifelong health and well-being. Current findings are examined and insights offered. The ‘I Can Resist’ program is underpinned through research and theoretical application. It is showcased as interwoven with the means to develop agentic thinking and action. This ecological approach to and through resistance movement is contextually adaptable.