I’m on a quest to incorporate more outside play into our school days this year. Even though my kids are getting older, there’s always a benefit to going outside and expending some energy. With schoolwork, media, and Minecraft taking so much of their time and attention, I am actually planning “Active Time” in our school schedule.
Pinterest is a great resource for easy and inexpensive ideas, and I’ve also discovered the book Tag, Toss & Run: 40 Classic Lawn Games by Paul Tukey and Victoria Rowell, which is a treasure-trove of fun. This book features games that I remember from childhood, like good old Wiffle Ball, Kick the Can, Double Dutch, and Red Rover. My kids and I are finding a bunch of ideas for things we can play in our backyard, and even some games we can adapt for playing in the house when the weather prevents us from enjoying being outside.
The authors of Tag, Toss & Run also explain games that are new to me, such as British Bulldogs and Kubb. All of the games have been around for ages, however, and the authors even include the history behind some of them, as well as other interesting tidbits that a homeschool mom can turn into a lesson (wink, wink) if she wants to enrich PE class. Each of the 40 classic games is explained clearly, with a list of materials needed, game set-up, rules, and strategy.
This week while I’m busy planning our semester and adding math, history, science, etc. to everyone’s school planners, I am also going to be adding time for fun and activity. I think incorporating PE into our weeks is important in so many ways, for all of us. Join me, won’t you?
Leave a Reply