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Homeschoolers log physical education credit on local bike paths
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Bicycling Is Great Physical Education
As homeschoolers, we can typically put a major emphasis on the academics sometimes overlooking the physical education of our children. I can easily think of lesson plans to teach phonics so my children can read, or a math skill that needs to be learned. Since religion plays a major role in my reasons for homeschooling, I tend to emphasize teachings from the Bible or creation science or how history is relative to our daily lives. But, it is a stretch for me to consistently keep physical education (PE) in the forefront of my children’s schooling days. Of course, they have the swim lessons and the dance lessons; and, we even took part in a homeschool bowling leaque through Brunswick this year. If we think about it, we can involve our children in PE in simple ways every day. One of our favorites is bike riding.
Bicycling does require having access to a bicycle and a helmet – if you want to be safe - along with a place to ride. If you have small children, it will also require a bike trailer or carrier or child’s bikes complete with training wheels & helmets for each rider. Once, you’ve got your gear, you’re ready to take to the path.
In many cases, you can ride easily on a daily basis around your neighborhood or nearby paths. We are grateful to have a short paved path near our house. While the daily ride around the neighborhood is good exercise, it is not available to everyone. Not to mention, that riding on public streets can be overwhelmingly nerve-wracking to watch as early riders tackle safety issues such as learning to stop at intersections and staying toward the curb out of the way of traffic. But, don’t despair. There are some wonderful off-the-road bike paths to enjoy.
One of our favorite bike paths is in Door County, Wisconsin in Peninsula State Park. We love to ride the paths and end at a swimming beach called Nicolet Bay. Another exciting path I’m glad I’ve had the experience of riding is across the bridge to Arlington National Cemetery in Washington, D.C. where there are also many historical sites to see.
Since it is impractical to drive across the nation just to ride on a bike path, there are thankfully also some great bike paths in Missouri. Depending on how many riders you are transporting, this may require access to a bike rack to attach to your vehicle to hold the bikes which always requires a bit more effort than simply jumping on your bike and riding. But, once you’re on the trail, it is always worth the extra effort.
One of the most well-known paths in our area is the K-T Trail which runs along the Missouri River. This is an old railroad track trail that has been turned into a bike trail using crushed limestone. Our favorite section is near Columbia, Missouri in a town called Rocheport where there is a small tunnel to ride through & a place to refresh with snacks. But, if you want to stay local, you can ride the K-T Trail starting at many starting points including downtown St. Charles, Defiance, Missouri and many more locations close by.
Another wonderful bike path is the one that circles Creve Coeur Lake in Creve Coeur Park located in West St. Louis County. This path is very nicely paved and relaxing as it is off of the road and scenic with the view of the lake to enjoy as you ride. If you are adventurous enough to cross the Page Extension bike section of the bridge that crosses the Missouri river, you can even connect up to the K-T for an extended ride. Just be sure to use extra caution if trying this with small children.
The wonder of it is that while you’re having fun riding your bike and looking at exciting scenery, you are burning calories and staying fit. In an hour of bike riding, you can burn between 380-1,000 calories depending on how fast you are riding and other factors. If you’re pulling a toddler in a bike trailer, you’re probably burning more. And, of course, you’re logging hours of PE for your child while helping keep their bodies fit.
For more info:
How to Create Your Own Homeschool PE Curriculum
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