Circus arts are gaining popularity in schools all over the world. Circus arts are a great addition to any physical education program. They not only motivate children to be active, but they can also develop skills beyond the physical.
My research team assessed resilience and physical literacy among students who began circus activities as part of physical education. Physical literacy is a combination of competence, confidence, and knowledge that allows you to remain physically active throughout your life.
Why children need to learn physical literacy
J.J. Ross is the coordinator of physical education and healthy education for St. James Assiniboia School Division. He helped implement circus activities in four Canadian schools with approximately 160 students. According to him, the greatest benefit that he has seen is the increase in confidence and motivation of the students in relation to not only physical literacy but also performance. He says:
“I have always been a sportsman and I’ve done everything in my life to compete against other people or groups of people. This is not about competing, but rather entertaining. This has inspired a new group of children to live an active life.”
The St. James Assiniboia school division initiative was a part of a research study that included circus activities in the Canadian curriculum for Grades 4-6. Circus activities include juggling balls, scarves, and flowersticks. rola-bola and diabolo. Stilts, unicycles, trampolines, trapezes, rope climbing, and German Wheels. My team compared the physical literacy of these students to students who received standard physical education instruction.
Researchers discovered that circus activities improve movement competencies, confidence, and motivation. This study was also unique in that it reduced gender gaps in movement skills, with positive psychological effects for the female participants.
In its many forms, circus activity alternates between teamwork and individual work. The circus is non-competitive, and it encourages artistic and unique movement. This enables students, particularly girls, to engage in physical activity. It also provides a challenge that is suitable for all abilities and interests.
The teaching of circus arts has great potential, as it helps to break the cycle of physical inactivity prevalent in our society today. The concept encompasses more than just physical ability, as circus arts have positive physiological and emotional effects.
Benefits of psychological and emotional health
The results showed that circus learning is a great way to improve social skills. It can help you develop risk-taking judgment; it will align your projected self with who you are, help you solve problems, and increase creativity and self-esteem.
The “art-making,” or the “meaning-making,” that occurs through the circus is an important part of it. By creating art or meaning, students can gain a deeper understanding of themselves and their environment.
The results showed a clear relationship between physical literacy and resilience in circus arts education in Canada. Resilience is the ability of one or more systems to adapt and overcome adversity. A small-scale study found that circuses increased resilience among refugees.
The relationship between physical literacy, resilience, and curriculum could have important implications for schools. Encouragement of physical literacy can help people thrive and be more engaged in society.
Social Circus
Social circus is the use of circus art as a medium for social justice. The goal of social circus is to promote the psychological and sociological development of marginalized youths or those at risk. Cirque du Monde is Cirque du Soleil’s social circus program, and it operates in over 80 communities across 25 countries. It promotes physical fitness and a healthy lifestyle. The program helps to build self-esteem and develop skills that lead to healthier communities.
Researchers have found that social circuses not only promote health but also health equity, as well as the social changes required to sustain them. Jennifer Spiegel and Stephanie Parent, researchers from Quebec, studied the social circus of youths who lived marginalized lifestyles. The researchers found that the personal growth of children with marginalized lifestyles is related to changes in social inclusion.
Spiegel, along with colleagues from Canada and Ecuador, also studied Ecuador’s national social circus project. The researchers investigated the reasons and how the circus was used as an “art of social change,” as well as its impact. The researchers found that social circus programs promote not only personal well-being but also social support and inclusion. These programs contribute to the establishment of future institutions and policies that promote social development.
Researchers and individuals around the globe have started to recognize the incredible potential of circus arts. Offering circus opportunities