{"id":18019,"date":"2012-07-20T00:00:17","date_gmt":"2012-07-20T04:00:17","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/simplehomeschl.wpengine.com\/?p=18019"},"modified":"2026-02-11T11:36:14","modified_gmt":"2026-02-11T16:36:14","slug":"physical-education","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/simplehomeschool.net\/physical-education\/","title":{"rendered":"Physical education for homeschooled teens"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"Physical<\/a>
\nPhysical Education for Homeschooled Teens~
\nWritten by contributor Sarah Small of SmallWorld at Home<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

P.<\/span>E., physical education, gym: whatever you called it, all of us public schoolers did it.<\/p>\n

Some of us dreaded it; some of us considered it the best part of the day. If you had to wear one-piece gym suits that zipped up the front, well, I\u2019m laughing (and blushing) right along with you.<\/p>\n

So how do homeschoolers handle PE?<\/strong> I am surprised at the number of people who ask me \u201cDoes [swimming, hiking, gymnastics, dancing] count as PE?\u201d Of course! If your child is getting exercise, he is engaged in PE.<\/p>\n

For most younger children, the need to move is innate.<\/h4>\n

What kid doesn\u2019t want to climb the perfect tree or beg to go to the park? How many times have you heard yourself admonish your little kids to be still<\/em> for a few minutes\u2014to stop rolling around on the ground?<\/p>\n

But as these same wiggly children enter the teen years, they would likely rather be on Facebook than running around outside.<\/p>\n

While the inclination for physical activity is built into us, we have to be deliberate about providing opportunities for PE, especially as our kids get older.<\/h4>\n


\nFor some families this is easy, particularly if your kids are part of an organized sports team. It may seem like every kid in the U.S. participates in a competitive sport, but that is simply not the case. For the rest of us a combination of creativity and diligence will ensure that you incorporate PE into your homeschool. (I encourage parents to take part in the family\u2019s PE time, too!)<\/p>\n

Ideas for Physical Education for Homeschooled Teens<\/h3>\n

Playground\/backyard games.<\/strong> When my oldest was 10, I realized that he had no idea how to play kickball. We began playing some traditional PE class games: kickball, whiffle ball, badminton, hopscotch, jump rope, Frisbee, even tag. Can\u2019t remember rules? Check out Games Kids Play<\/a> for a list of hundreds of such games. Some are tricky with just a parent and child, but homeschoolers are all about flexibility, right?<\/p>\n

Home Workout:<\/strong> Put together a list of cardio and strength training exercises and go through these 2-3 times\/week. Do an internet search for \u201chome cardio training\u201d and you will get all kinds of ideas, like this great list<\/a>. Choose 10 or so exercises and do them three times each. You don’t have to be a fitness instructor to put together a plan!<\/p>\n

Couch to 5K.<\/strong> This is a fantastic running program for parents and kids to do together. If you stick with the program, you and your kids will be able to run a 5K within 10 weeks. Before you say \u201cI hate running!\u201d take a look at the Couch to 5K<\/a> website. As a former running-hater, I can assure you that you can do this!<\/p>\n

Walking:<\/strong> Going outside for a 15-minute walk is probably the easiest form of exercise. Why do we not all do this every day? Walks are a terrific way to clear one’s head in the middle of a tough algebra day, too!<\/p>\n

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Biking:<\/strong> Send your kids outside for a bike break in the middle of the school day\u2014a 15-minute bike ride is a great way to get some focus.\u00a0 When you have more time and a way to transport your bikes if necessary, plan an afternoon’s excursion once a month or so. Lots of cities have fantastic bike trails. Check out Rails to Trails<\/a> to see what’s near you.<\/p>\n

Health club membership:<\/strong> Obviously the most pricey option, but if you can swing this, teens will love it. Look for a family friendly center. Our club allows kids 10 and up to participate in everything except for the weight machines. Another option might be your city’s Parks and Rec program or YMCA, both of which often offer a variety of opportunities.<\/p>\n

Individual sports:<\/strong> Our society focuses a lot on team sports and not so much on individual sports, like golf, tennis, fencing, swimming, figure skating, skiing, etc. Try a semester’s worth of lessons to see if your child enjoys one of these sports or just for the experience of trying something new.<\/p>\n

Workout videos, Wii games, etc.:<\/strong> Purchase a couple of workout videos and do them together once or twice each week. There are hundreds of options. And don’t forget about Wii games like Wii Fit, Wii Sports, and all the dancing games.<\/p>\n

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Hiking:<\/strong> I realize that not everyone has a national park practically in the backyard, but all the cities I\u2019ve lived in had a hiking option within an hour\u2019s drive. You don\u2019t need to have the right boots to hike; just put on a pair of tennis shoes, grab a water bottle, and get out there!<\/p>\n

Physical Education Tips<\/h4>\n