List of Physical Education Activities for Homeschooled Students
Homeschool parents are often confused about whether their homeschooled student needs physical education credits to graduate high school and which activities are acceptable.
First, we recommend checking with HSLDA and NCES to find out whether your state requires students to have physical education credits to graduate. Most states require at least one to two physical education credits for all students.
As a homeschool parent, you can meet the minimum requirement or set higher requirements to keep your student physically active. Remember that sports are a classroom that teaches students lessons in self-discipline, social skills, sportsmanship, teamwork, time management, goal setting, endurance, mental strength, patience, and so much more.
The good news is that with creativity, physical education is one of the easiest requirements for homeschooled students to meet.
Photo credit: Gene Gallin@genefoto
Here is a list of activities that fall under the umbrella of PE that your student can explore and enjoy while earning credits:
Team sports:
Baseball, hockey, soccer, volleyball, football, cheerleading, lacrosse, rugby, swimming, softball, track and field, water polo, relay swimming
Individual sports:
Swimming, golf, ice skating, rollerblading, horseback riding, wrestling, martial arts, weightlifting, sailing, surfing, diving, skiing, snowboarding, gymnastics, frisbee golf, windsurfing, diving, dancing, fencing, biking, cross-fit, yoga, rock climbing, racquetball
Health Education:
Personal health and hygiene, food and nutrition, first-aid, CPR, stress management, human development, mental health, substance abuse, anatomy and physiology, health care, human sexuality
Additional Tips:
Call your local high school to find out if your homeschooled student can take advantage of what they offer. Some states have passed legislation allowing homeschooled students to participate in public school sports teams and classes.
Use fitness videos, apps, and Wii games to keep your homeschooled student moving.
Encourage your homeschooled student to consider training for a charity walk or race.
Research the Presidential Youth Fitness Award. Use their tools to set physical fitness and nutrition goals while working towards available awards.
Visit our website for how-to tips on developing a 4-year academic and non-academic plan for your high school homeschooled student.
credit: Nick Fewings