P.L.A.Y. for All was featured in the UH Mānoa social media series titled, “Uniquely Mānoa.”
A physical literacy program developed within the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa College of Education (COE) is helping all keiki feel involved while keeping active—including those with intellectual and developmental disabilities, and children who are neurotypical.
The P.L.A.Y. for All (Physical Literacy and Activities for Youth) program is unique to COE’s Department of Kinesiology and Rehabilitation Science (KRS), originating in course KRS 443 – Disability and Diversity in Physical Activity. KRS 443 has approximately 60 college students enrolled per semester, and each student is responsible for leading one P.L.A.Y. session. Sessions include instruction on gross motor skills or sport-oriented skills and are hosted at UH Mānoa’s Klum Gym.
Keiki participate in warm-ups, motor skills and locomotor activities and games with an approximate ratio of 1:1 coach to student. They also interact with each other in an inclusive environment and engage in fun activities designed to connect physical, social and emotional skills, and lead them to love being active.
“The beauty of the P.L.A.Y. for All program is that it is mutually beneficial,” said KRS Assistant Professor Allison Tsuchida. “We are able to provide a low-cost after-school inclusive physical activity program that allows all children the opportunity to learn and practice their motor skills, while our KRS students practice leading activities, modifying activities to meet the needs of diverse learners, and communicating effectively.”
P.L.A.Y. is geared toward children ages 3–10 who can attend one session a week from 3 to 4 p.m. The 10-week program begins early September for the fall semester and early February for the spring semester. Those interested in signing up their keiki to join P.L.A.Y. can contact Tsuchida at artsuchi@hawaii.edu.
“This program is so awesome, so exciting,” said one parent. “My daughter left sweating from all that physical activity. She loved it, and it was encouraging to see all the kids and students playing together. What a gem and an amazing opportunity for both the college students and keiki.”
UH Mānoa has the only undergraduate health and physical education licensure program in the state, with KRS as the No. 1 BS undergraduate program at UH Mānoa with nearly 700 students. KRS graduates enter a variety of fields, including fulfilling the statewide need for P.E. and health teachers and occupational and physical therapy. Learn more about KRS.
