bbcovert@juno.com

When you are focused on getting through the academic portion of each day, physical education (p.e.) may not cross your mind. You can grade math, language arts, science, and history. You can gauge how well your students are doing in those subjects. Something like p.e. can be given short shrift. However, you should re-think p.e. and make sure your children receive training in the life skill of healthy living. God has given each of us only one body, and He expects us to take care of it!

There are several benefits to regular exercise. It promotes good health. It increases strength. In some instances, it promotes teamwork. Finally, exercise benefits the mind as it can improve concentration and increase feelings of well-being. Studies show that physical exercise may help ward off depression.

We have many options for homeschool p.e. in our area. Our YMCA offers a homeschool program. Some support groups and co-ops offer p.e. programs. There are many sports programs; my son played soccer in a league and also in a Christian program that emphasized fun and teamwork over winning. My children enjoyed the Upwards Basketball program that went through 6th grade. That final year that she was eligible, my daughter became an Upwards cheerleader and had a wonderful time learning and executing cheers with her squad. Beyond sports programs, classes are also an option. You may register for lessons in dance, gymnastics, swimming, skating, or the martial arts. (Sometimes you can even organize a special homeschool class for a reduced rate if enough homeschoolers sign up.) Finally, you can create a p.e. program at home. Your children may enjoy bike-riding, hiking, jogging, jumping on a trampoline, or following along with exercise videos or DVDs. Some exercise videos are geared to kids!

You may not be required to include p.e. in your homeschool during the elementary and middle school years, but chances are good that it will be a requirement for high school. In South Carolina, homeschooled high schoolers are required to fulfill 150 hours of p.e. to earn the required one credit. How we meet that requirement is up to us. My two teens love to be active. Over the years they have been involved in sports. They have also taken gymnastics and dance classes. They’ve had swimming lessons and learned how to ice skate and roller skate on their own. This year they are interested in the martial arts. I can enroll them in a class and then fill in the remaining hours with biking around the neighborhood – which they love – and exercising along with a couple of cardio dance/exercise DVDs that I bought. These can easily be borrowed from the local library as well. (I need to remember that before I make any more unnecessary purchases!)

It’s been easy to get my children involved in physical activities. They both have ADHD and are naturally on the go! For the reluctant athlete, make physical activity fun, or else provide a non-edible reward. The reward may be daily or weekly. You may choose to match time spent exercising with time on computer games, handheld games, or TV, if that’s what your student treasures. A weekly reward could be a trip to the library, family movie night or board game night, a day off from cleaning their bedroom, or a special craft time.

You might encourage your children with the following verse.

1 Timothy 4:8 says, (emphasis is mine) For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come.

We aren’t to prize physical training above all else or become obsessed with strengthening our bodies, but the Bible clearly states that there is value in p.e. Of course, it also makes sense that we take care of ourselves as temples of the Holy Spirit.

The following verses use forms of exercise as metaphors for the Christian life.

Hebrews 12:1~ Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.

Isaiah 40:31~ But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk and not faint.

2 Timothy 4:7 ~ I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.

As your children get off the couch and get moving, you might want to join them! We all could stand a little activity in our days.

Happy homeschooling!

Copyright 2006 by Brenda B. Covert