5 Days of Eclectic Homeschooling- Day 4

Another very important element in our eclectic homeschool is physical activity.  Physical activity is so very critical in a child's development.  In fact, I saw on a documentary recently that in Finland, whose children score significantly higher than ours in ALL areas tested, requires children to have physical activity after every one or two classes during their school day.  You read that right.  Physical activity EVERY hour or so EVERY day for all ages including high school. (they also don't teach to the test and give very little to no homework, but that could be the subject of a whole other blog series!).  

In this country, in institutionalized schools, young children get one or two recess periods in an entire day and once they reach junior high or high school, they get NONE.  ZERO.  ZILCH. (ok, maybe one "gym" period in an entire week and that is considered sufficient exercise?)  These kids are sitting passively for 8 plus hours a day and continuing to score lower than their counterparts in other developing nations more and more each year.

I didn't need to hear about Finland (but I'm glad I did for validation!) to know the importance of physical activity.(and not having hours and hours of busywork  homework each night.  Uh-oh, there I go again!  lol)  Increasing one's heartrate increases oxygen flow to the brain in addition to releasing steam and stress.  When there is increased oxygen levels, children are able to concentrate better and their academic work is significantly improved.  

This being said, I also encourage my children to drink and snack during the day.  In an institutionalized school, children have one opportunity all day to eat or drink.  The affects of dehydration on academics and on a child's overall health are well known.  In addition, when sugar levels are allowed to drop, there are behavioral implications as well as health issues.  Keeping the sugar level even and balanced during the day with healthy snacks is very important.  There are drinks and good snacks out on our table all day for my kiddos.  And trust me, when I inadvertently forget, it is evident in more ways than one.  It is all part of keeping our children healthy!

My children participate in a weekly homeschool bowling league.  It is only $5 a child and they get instruction and plenty of time for bowling practice.  If your local center doesn't already offer such a program, speak to the manager.  A friend of mine did and thus began our program.  Many companies are looking for homeschoolers to reach out to them so they can develop programs that cater to their needs.  I have also read online that local karate centers and dance studios are offering daytime lessons for homeschoolers, as well as the YMCA.  My children participated in the YMCA's Homeschool Swim and Gym program in the past and enjoyed it.

But more important than any structured (and/or expensive) program is just the physical activity itself.  During the in between class times in Finland, there isn't a gym "class" or structured "play."  The kids are allowed to just be.  They can run, jump or just get some fresh air.  It doesn't have to be organized to be fun and beneficial.

You can let your kids go outside for a bike ride or play on your back yard swings.  You can take them to a local park (it's great during the day because we can typically have them to ourselves!) or field with their play equipment.  The possibilities are endless!  :-)

For Day 1, 'What is an Eclectic Homeschool?' click here.

For Day 2, 'Lapbooking in an Eclectic Homeschool,' click here

For Day 3, "Field Trips in an Eclectic Homeschool,' click here.

There are only 2 days left in the Kindle Fire HD giveaway!  Click here to visit my post to enter.  It is an awesome giveaway!  :-)