If you are a parent looking for at-home physical education tips and resources, this is for you!
If you are a school district or teacher, check out our post on “Flipping the Physical Education Classroom – Resources for At-Home PE”
As a result of recent events, many of us have found ourselves in a world we don’t quite know how to navigate. We’re here to help!
We know that everything has likely changed in your day to day routine, that you may be trying to work from home, helping the kids with at-home school work, finding activities to keep them engaged each day, manage family meals, and so much more.
It’s likely you have found yourself as an impromptu math, science, English, history, reading, and foreign language teacher. On top of that, you’re a technology coach and part-time secretary for all the virtual assignments, video chats, emails, packets, worksheets, and anything else the school sends to your children.
And on top of all that, your kids aren’t getting regularly scheduled recess or physical education they need. Movement in a child’s day is powerful and a necessary component to a successful learning environment. But trying to teach PE from home can be a daunting challenge.
We are here to help answer these questions and provide you resources for success. Below are a few tips for you as you begin your PE at-home routine, as well as a mini at-home PE curriculum for parents
Tip #1 Don’t bite off more than you can chew!
Fifteen-minute chunks of “structured” activity is plenty! No one is expecting you to deliver a 45-minute lesson. All you need is a plan for small amounts of time where your children (and you) can participate in a game/activity together.
Also, don’t underestimate the power of free play. Before or after the activity, encourage your children to go outside and just play. This is a crucial part of youth development that unfortunately kids get less and less of. Play can make a huge difference in your day and for your child’s productivity and well-being.
Tip #2 Make Physical Education an all-day class!
Instead of having your children cooped up and sitting all day, use movement breaks often – ideally, brief spurts of movement every hour. Think quick and easy activities where kids get up from their desk, computer, screen, or book to engage in fun movement.
Try “PE chunks” (see the at-home curriculum) several times throughout the day (i.e. – morning, lunch, and afternoon). Sprinkle in free play as you see fit (note – free-play is physical-play, not screen time). You can also encourage activity during “school” time, allow your children to create their own chairs or seating arrangements. Allow them to stand as they write or work on a worksheet. Offer walking as an option when reading.
The more active their day is, they will likely be more focused, productive, happy, and healthy.
Tip #3 Use what has been given to you!
Many physical educators have worked diligently to put together fantastic resources for you and your children. Using these resources will make things much easier than “shooting from the hip.” If you haven’t seen any resources for at-home PE yet, we have you covered.
Looking for a resource to pull activities from? Download our mini curriculum below.
Wishing you all the best as you take on your new role as an at-home physical education teacher! Contact us if you have questions or would like to know more.
