PHYSICAL EDUCATION FOR HOME-SCHOOLED CHILDREN
A large number of reports have already discussed the academic and social skills of home- schooled children, but the state of their physical education is not being addressed.
That's according to Steven Smith, associate professor of kinesiology and head men's soccer coach at Hope College in Holland, Michigan. Five years ago, Smith helped establish a physical education class at Hope College for children who are being home schooled. Each fall about 40 elementary-age students participate in the program, guided by Hope College kinesiology students.
The physical education of home-school children might be a different angle to the national dialogue on the topic.
Smith, along with D. Conrad Milne of New Mexico State University, co-authored a book and video package for parents who wish to teach their children physical education. It's entitled, "Physical Education for the Home." The materials are for children spanning the first through sixth grade levels in age and were published this year by Alpha Omega Publications in Chandler, Arizona.
The book and the video promote development of the student's basic and advanced motor skills. The materials provide guidelines for developing fundamental motor skills and health- related fitness, and tips for teaching more advanced skills. The materials also offer guidelines for evaluating the programs.
The curriculum teaches the sequential progression of hopping, galloping, skipping, running, jumping, throwing, catching, striking, punting and kicking. It also includes activities for building aerobic endurance, muscular strength and endurance, and flexibility. It also discusses how to motivate children to participate and reviewing the benefits of physical fitness.
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Editors & Producers: Dr. Smith is at 616-395-7569 (office) . He can put you in contact with Dr. Milne. Please contact Steve Infanti of Dick Jones Communications at 814-867-1963 or [email protected] if you need any assistance.
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