Incorporating Physical Activity Into Homeschooling

Kids never run out of energy. If you don’t drain it out of them with physical activity, then they will take matters into their own hands and drain it out of you. Now this may not be a problem if they are off running wild at school, but when it is in your own home, prepare against those hyper outbursts. Doctors have proven that daily physical activity is important for health and prevents obesity. Spending as little as 20-30 minutes a day could dramatically affect a family’s health and fitness. Schedule it into the school day so that it becomes a healthy habit and a way of life. It also helps to keep kids focused when it is actually time to learn. Some parents say that when their kids have trouble sitting still, a quick lap around the house or a few jumping jacks can get them focused again.

Many communities offer after-school sports programs like soccer, baseball, gymnastics, and martial arts. Local YMCA clubs provide fitness classes, dance lessons, and similar activities. These leagues can be costly to join though, and therefore not an option for all families. Another option is meeting with other homeschooling families in the community who plan fun outings together. This will keep you connected and your child social, while getting in some physical activity.

Organized sports are not for everyone though, so find something that works for your kid. Wii Fit or fitness videos teach viewers yoga or exercise routines that don’t seem like a chore. Physical activity doesn’t have to be costly and can be as simple as taking the dog for a walk around the neighborhood together. Or maybe having an impromptu snowball fight outside in the winter. Or they can meet neighbors while flying a kite or playing catch at the local park. A fun, cost-free way to stay active and improve motor skills is through an obstacle course. Using everyday household materials, set up an obstacle course in the back yard where siblings and friends can compete against one another. Races can be done over successive days as well to try to break time records.

If you have more then one child to homeschool, one is sometimes stuck waiting for the parent’s attention while the sibling is being taught. Send them instead on a short race around the yard or for a little bit of jumping rope. Homeschoolers have more flexibility with their daily schedule than traditional schools, so take advantage of this. Nature walks and daily outings are not restricted by class schedules and can be a regular part of time together.

Making sure that physical activity is incorporated into your homeschooler’s day requires the parent to be diligent and committed, but it should not be neglected. In traditional schools, students are allotted time for physical education in addition to recess. This should not be a forgotten part of education just because a student is at home. It will keep kids’ bodies active and healthy and their minds ready for learning.

Homeschooling is a challenge, but it can have outstanding rewards for yourself. At the same time, it can be reat for your child. Just be sure to take it very seriously and try to make an effort to separate your roll as an everyday parent with your roll as a home school teacher.


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