In a traditional school there is physical education. Some schools have it every day and some a few days a week for about an hour at each session. At some point, phys ed ends in some school and others will incorporate it throughout high school. So what about hoemschoolers? Do we partake in physical education?
In some states, one must submit hours and that includes hours for physical education. So what counts? Many homeschool moms joke about counting in hours for running in the backyard trying to catch the dog or painting a room. Let’s just be clear that many moms are simply joking and not all hours consist of “making things up” to fit. Physical Education is not running after a lost dog but a blocked out timeframe dedicated to physical fitness. Unless you live in a state that demands records and specific hours, you do not have to time your children playing outside. Which does count in my book, since most gym classes are simply playing kickball.
Homeschool Physical Education Ideas
If your child goes on a routine walk with the dog every day for 45 minutes then there is no reason not to count it.
If your child is involved in sports then obviously you have a child involved in Physical Ed.
Let the children go outside and introduce kickball, volleyball, badminton, or baseball.
Allow the kids to make up new physical games with their own rules.
Take your children to the park to hike or ride bikes.
Use a work out video or have work out equipment at home.
Allow your child to be involved in your physical hobbies like racket ball, golf, horseback riding, basketball, running, jogging, etc.
Physical Education should be taken seriously as your setting the foundation for your children not live a sedentary lifestyle. It also teaches children how to play on a team and follow the rules. Children learn so many social lessons from playing sports. If you have a child who does not have an interest in sports then gym class will give him this exposure. It is also important that your child play recess or engage in some sort of physical activity for 45 minutes to an hour a day. Sure, this may not happen every day but make living an active lifestyle accessible and doable.