The 4in1 Physical Literacy Program
Building Confidence, Resilience, & Active Habits for Life
Together with families, researchers, and educators, Vivo worked from 2016 to 2021 to understand and reimagine how children move, play, and grow in recreational programs. The result was the 4in1 Physical Literacy Program, a unique, multi-environmental initiative that empowered over 10,000 children to build not only physical skills, but also emotional, social, and mental well-being.
Why We Did It
Through research in 2011, we discovered that in a typical one-hour recreation program, kids were spending over 60% of the time sitting, standing, or lying down. That didn’t sit right with us.
So, we asked: What if a program could help kids move more and develop a love for activity that lasts for life?
With support from families and experts, we set out to create something better. Something that would move children and their communities forward.
What We Did
We designed and delivered a play-based, multi-sport program rooted in four movement environments: ice/snow (skiing, skating), land (gym-based activities), water (swimming), and air (climbing). The 4in1 Physical Literacy program was born.
With a focus on developing children’s physical literacy and fundamental movement skills – coordination, balance, agility, strength, and fine motor control – the 4in1 program also nurtured emotional confidence, social connection, and resilience.
Children from kindergarten to grade 5 participated twice per week. The 4-in-1 program included:
- Evidence-based lesson plans aligned with Alberta Education, Sport for Life, and SPARK
- Free play time built into every class
- A consistent program leader to build strong relationships with participants and parents
- Personalized progress reports tracking each child’s movement, confidence, competence, and connection to community
- A co-created approach with families to reflect their needs and goals
- Over 350 coaches and instructors trained in whole-child support
- Activities including yoga, creative play, and more
How We Did It
We co-created this program with families, educators, and researchers, which included a six-year longitudinal study with Mount Royal University.
We listened deeply, tested continuously, and evolved the program each year based on the changing needs of children and their families, with a focus on mental health, leadership, social connection, and self-esteem.
Every element was intentionally designed to support the whole child, helping them to not only move more, but feel more confident, capable, and connected.
What We Learned
- Kids move more when learning feels playful, social, and personalized
- Confidence and resilience grow through varied, engaging experiences
- Parents and caregivers value programs that nurture the whole child, not just physical ability
- Ongoing collaboration and feedback from families made the program stronger and more responsive
- When we collaborate across community, education, and research sectors, we drive meaningful and lasting change.
The Impact Lives On
While the 4in1 Physical Literacy Program has wrapped, its legacy continues. The insights and innovations from this initiative are now shaping how we design future experiences for children and families across Calgary and beyond.
We’re proud of what we created and grateful to every child, parent, coach, and partner who helped bring it to life.
Together, we’re helping more people move more, connect more, and thrive for life.