Virtual Homeschool PE

How do homeschoolers do PE?

Homeschoolers typically approach PE in various ways to ensure that children stay physically active. Some standard methods include:

1. Structured Activities: Homeschoolers might follow a structured curriculum that includes exercise routines, sports, and fitness activities. These can be done at home or outdoors in parks or local sports facilities.
2. Online PE Programs: Virtual PE classes, like the YMCA’s Virtual Homeschool PE, are an option for homeschoolers. These classes often include live or pre-recorded lessons focusing on exercises, games, and activities designed for home environments.
3. Co-op PE Programs: Homeschool co-ops often organize physical education classes where children gather for group sports, team activities, or fitness sessions. These are great for social interaction and group play.
4. Extracurricular Activities: Many homeschool families enroll their children in extracurricular sports like swimming, gymnastics, martial arts, or team sports at local clubs or community centers. These activities often count towards PE requirements.
5. Outdoor Play and Family Activities: Simple activities like bike riding, hiking, running, or family sports can serve as PE. Physical fitness trackers can also track daily activity levels to meet PE goals.

How to record PE for homeschooling?

Recording PE for homeschooling is essential to track progress and meet educational requirements. Here are some methods to document it:

1. Activity Log: Keep a daily or weekly log of activities. Record the type of exercise, duration, and any skill progress. For example, you could log activities such as “30 minutes of jogging” or “45 minutes of soccer practice.”
2. Video Evidence: Some parents take videos or photos of their children participating in physical activities to document what they are doing. This is especially useful if a homeschooling authority or an online school requires proof of physical activity.
3. Fitness Apps or Trackers: Use apps like Fitbit or Apple Health to track steps, heart rate, and exercise routines. You can print or download the activity summary to submit as a PE record.
4. Progress Assessments: Create a system for evaluating progress. This could include fitness tests (e.g., running a mile, push-up counts) every few months to see improvements in strength, flexibility, or endurance.
5. Certificates from Extracurriculars: If your child participates in formal sports teams, dance classes, or martial arts, you can keep records of participation certificates, competition results, or attendance logs as part of the PE documentation.

Can you do PE in online school?

Yes, you can do PE in online school. Many online schools offer structured PE programs as part of their curriculum. Here’s how it typically works:

1. Virtual PE Classes: Some schools provide live or pre-recorded PE classes where students follow along with exercises or routines designed by the teacher. These can range from simple fitness routines to yoga or even dance sessions.
2. Independent Activity Tracking: Online schools often require students to perform physical activities independently and log them. This might involve participating in local sports or following a prescribed set of exercises at home.
3. Fitness Apps: Online schools may incorporate fitness apps or platforms like GoNoodle or YouTube workouts for students to follow. These apps can track progress and provide teachers with reports.
4. Customizable PE Plans: Many online schools offer flexibility in how students complete their PE. Students might be allowed to count extracurricular activities, such as martial arts, team sports, or even dance classes, toward their PE credits as long as they are adequately documented.

In short, online schools often accommodate PE with a blend of virtual classes and independent physical activities that the student can do at home or in their community.