Physical education for homeschoolers

May 25, 3:59 PMOrlando Homeschooling ExaminerClaire McBride

Next

Comment Print Email RSS Subscribe

Subscribe

Get alerts when there is a new article from the Orlando Homeschooling Examiner. Read Examiner.com's terms of use.

Email Address   Include other special offers from Examiner.com Terms of Use

Childhood obesity can be a concern for parents no matter what their choice of schooling. When I first began homeschooling, I knew that meeting my son's exercise needs would be a priority. Organized classes also seemed like the best place to meet other homeschoolers.

Right away, I discovered that many of the Orange County Parks have homeschooling PE classes once or twice a week. For two years, my son participated in Bear Creek Park's PE program. The children exercised under the supervision and direction of a trained Recreation Specialist while the moms visited and the younger siblings played on the playground.

I also found fitness classes for kids at our health club. Although not specifically for homeschoolers, the Start Fit/Stay Fit classes at the Hunter's Creek Lifestyle Family Fitness Center are afternoon fitness classes taught by a personal trainer. My son has participated in several sessions of these fun and fast paced classes.

Recently our needs changed and I searched the internet for something different. I was looking for a class where both my school age homeschooler and his preschool sibling could participate and found it at Stick-It Gymnastics on Orange Avenue. The boys now love their twice a week homeschool PE gymnastics class.

You can look for PE classes for homeschoolers at martial arts centers, the YMCA, dance schools, health clubs/fitness centers, and aquatic centers. If the classes don't already exist, you can do what my friend did. She asked the St. Cloud Recreation Department to start a class. She advertised and spread the word, while they found an instructor and provided the facility.