Whether you are trying to complete a high school transcript or just making sure your children are getting enough exercise, there are multiple ways to teach homeschool PE.
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Create a physical activity log
Create your own list of physical education activities and create your own activity log.
This is a wonderful mix and match way to teach homeschool PE.
A PE activity list might include 20 minutes of calisthenics (jumping jacks, push-ups, toe touches, wtc.), a one-mile walk or run, a 10-minute yoga routine, 10 minutes on the trampoline, or a game of tag with siblings in the backyard.
The activity log is a way for your children to track their physical activity every day. They pick an activity or two from the list above and, once complete, they log the date, time spent, and what they did.
Note: for high schoolers, 60 total hours of activity equals 1/2 credit for PE on a transcript.
Community sports or dance classes
If you have the time and money, and if your child has the desire, sign them up for Little League, softball, or soccer. Dance classes are also a great way to get physical activity into their days.
Your child can add the time spent on these activities to their activity logs for PE credit.
Homeschool PE classes in your community
My own children were involved in a homeschool PE program at a local church when they were younger. Many churches with gyms offer such programs.
Many homeschool co-ops also offer homeschool PE classes. Some of these classes are based on the President’s Physical Fitness test, while others may be more specialized, like “team sports”, or archery.
Dojos often have homeschool karate lessons for homeschoolers during the day.
Ask other homeschoolers in your area for ideas.
Online resources
You can also use online resources to plan activities and nutritional lessons.
There are numerous private and government websites to help you plan a PE curriculum.
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute – nhlbi.nih.gov offers tools and resources for families.
Let’s Move – letsmove.obama-whitehouse.archives.gov offers facts, tips, and action steps to develop healthy habits for the whole family.
Fuel Up to Play 60 – offers lessons and directions for children. From their website:
“Fuel Up to Play 50 is an in-school health and wellness program… empowering youth to make sustainable changes in the areas of nutrition and physical activity within their schools and communities.”
Think outside the box
Many homeschoolers in my area take trapeze lessons. Others are expert jugglers.
PE doesn’t have to be organized team sports or traditional fitness tests.
Any activity that gets kids moving and that helps them develop hand-eye coordination and manual dexterity can count towards PE credit.
Brainstorm with them about activities they may want to pursue and start searching for Youtube videos that teach that skill.
Explore unique opportunities in your own communities such as trapeze lessons or free group Tai Chi lessons in the park.
Be creative!
Also, be sure to check out these other posts in Homeschooling:
How to Homeschool for Free (or on the Cheap!)
4 Things I Wish I Had Known Before I Started Homeschooling
Best Homeschool Curriculum for Elementary School
Best Places to Buy Homeschool Curriculum
Don’t forget the Health curriculum!
A solid Health curriculum is a must-have to go along with whatever PE course you choose from above.
Middle School Health
For middle school, I recommend Lifepac Health Quest. It includes a set of 5 consumable workbooks and can be completed anytime between 4th-8th grade.
High School Health
For high school, I recommend Lifepac Health. This curriculum includes 5 consumable workbooks and is very easy to use.
Elementary School Health
If you are looking for elementary level health, I recommend Horizons Health curriculum, also from Alpha Omega publishers. There is one student workbook per grade from Pre-K to 8th grade.
What have you used?
I would love to hear how you teach homeschool PE in your own homes! Share in the comments below.