Anika Littlemore

Photo credit to Robin Kasem

My name is Anika Littlemore, B.Sc. HK (hons.), and I am a teacher candidate in the Bachelor of Education program at the University of Ottawa. I am specializing in Health and Physical Education (H&PE) as well as Biology at the Intermediate/Senior level. What inspired me to get involved with this project is my passion for healthy, active living. Growing up, I never met a form of physical activity I didn’t enjoy. From joining any sports team I could find in Elementary and High School to playing competitive hockey and varsity soccer for the University of Ottawa, I’m always looking for new ways to be active. My goal in my career is to become a lifelong learner and help students explore physical activity in a way that helps them find what moves them and inspires them to become active-for-life. I hope to instill the same love I have for leading a healthy, active life in each of my students for years to come.

I was Introduced to the InterActive for Life (IA4L) Project through an Undergraduate Research Opportunity Program. My role later expanded into a Research Assistant position where I had a large part in the development of the InterActive for Life Resource – a resource for Health and Physical Education teachers, coaches and anyone who wants to become InterActive for Life. My experience working with the IA4L team so far has been very eye-opening. I have always known movement as an objective entity that should be perfected through the display of specific characteristics and skills. When I first started participating in this project, I found it hard to disconnect from previous notions that society embedded into my way of thinking about movement. However, I am now beginning to notice my perspective of physical activity broadening as we examine movement through a relational lens. I am very excited to continue on this enlightening learning journey and implement my new found perspectives into my teaching practices in order to achieve my career goals.