About Gary Franklin Expertise Can help with any question regarding organization of physical education curriculum and program. Can assist with questions regarding
organization of school recreational programs, intramural programs and
athletic teams
Experience 25 years physical education teacher in the Great neck Public Schools Coach soccer, swimming, volleyball and track/field & Intramurals, Summer recreational program director
Expert: Gary Franklin Date: 6/23/2006 Subject: homeschool P.E. for Elementary kids who hated gym
Question I will start this fall homeschooling my 3rd and 5th grade sons. They both hated gym at their brick-and-mortar school, mostly because it seemed all they did was run. My 3rd grader in particular had many notes home about walking when he was supposed to run. He would have really benefitted from learning teamwork, handling competitiveness, etc. What kinds of activities can I do with them at home to help them learn the joy of stretching themselves physically? My 5th grader has ADHD and learning to enjoy more demanding physical activity would be of great benefit to him as well.
Answer Hello,
I am sorry that your children in their phtsical education classes. For most children physical education gives them
the best opportunity to explore themselves and to socialize with others. It teaches them about their abilities and how to appreciate the abilities of others.At its best physical education helps to strengthen self-control and fosters teamwork and sportsmanship.
One idea that your children might enjoy is a variety of skill related obstacle courses that be constructed as simply or complex as you want. For example, in soccer you
could have your child start and dribble a ball around a set number of cones, then pass the ball against a wall back and forth to themselves, then they move to a target which they have to shoot the ball and knock down the target down, then
bounnce the ball on their head a set number of times and
return to the starting line. If your child likes to challenge themselves You can time your child to see how quickly they can complete the course, adding penalty seconds for any mistake that is made. Ask your children to come up with their own ideas to put in the obstacle course.
This will help stimulate their creativity.Learning the proper order of an obstacle course ( what skill follows another) is great to help your child concentrate on a given task.
Children love to go under, through and over things, This can be done for any sport or you can make a generic course with hoola hoops, jump ropes, tumbling mats, hurdles etc...
Go through the course yourself, your children will enjoy
watching you. Above all, make sure it is safe. Do not use anything that your child can hurt themselves on. Hope they enjoy it and most of all have fun.
Gary Franklin
