Homeschooling is on the rise. The government’s desire to mandate certain areas of student knowledge and create “common core” idealism has inspired many parents to take on the job of an educator. Unfortunately, keeping homeschool kids physically fit can prove to be a struggle.
There are several options for the homeschool parent when it comes to filling the role of a PE teacher. Here are four routes to consider:
- Do it Yourself– This is always the first alternative. It gives you freedom to create your own curriculum. If you want your kids to do weight training with bowflex dumbbells then that’s your prerogative. You can design cardio and weight training lessons that revolve around the science lesson at your local park. Or, you can use time at the beach to develop swimming skills. The possibilities are endless.
- Operation FitKids– This program is free as part of the American Council on Exercise. And it adds nutrition, anatomy and physiology to its fitness plans. Co-ops can utilize this option as well because kids can play together while improving their overall health and well-being. You can learn more about the programs they offer by clicking this.
- Family Time Fitness– Although this is not a free option it is a method chosen by many homeschool families. They provide the entire k-8 curriculum for the same price as one textbook. Lessons are student focused but the whole family could benefit from the concepts provided. Follow the link to learn more.
- Spark– This is a research based program. Some curriculum downloads are free but they are individual lessons not whole grade sections. They have plans for k-12 grades and their plans are easy to follow and complete. You can learn more about them by visiting their website right here.
If You do it Yourself
Sometimes we just want to branch out on our own and take control of our children’s educational and fitness-based destinies. That’s where Pinterest comes in! You can look up Homeschool PE and Family Fitness to discover a plethora of pins that will provide you with additional ideas for curriculum designs.
Here are a few pins we saw:
- 5 Simple Tips for Leading a More Active Lifestyle
- The Massive List of Indoor Activities for Homeschooled Kids- No doubt this would be a great option for Florida based homeschool families.
- How to Make Healthy Eating and Exercise a Family Affair
- Fun Ways to Get 10,000 Steps in Per Day- Your kids will appreciate the fact that you are trying to make all the walking fun.
- 5 Trampoline Games- Trampolines are an excellent source of strength and cardio training, if utilized appropriately.
- Spring Time Outdoor Calorie Burners for the Entire Family- Depending on where you live some of these suggestions might work year round.
- 12 Fun Exercise Activities To Do With Your Kids- Chances are you are in as much need of physical fitness development as they are. Why not use this as a bonding opportunity?
- Play Away Stress- This one is a real eye catcher since we are all feeling significant amounts of stress these days. All the more when we are keeping our kids home with us all day!
Keeping your kids in optimum physical fitness doesn’t have to be as daunting as you previously feared. There are a number of resources at your disposal and if you can’t find something interesting here, Pinterest is always available.