It can be challenging to find sports opportunities when homeschooling your student. Joining a nearby school’s program can come with challenges such as scheduling or simply a lack of understanding and willingness to work with you and your child. Physical fitness is incredibly crucial for your student’s development intellectually and physically. It is important for a child to develop teamwork skills, self-motivation, and a positive self-image which are often skills acquired through sports and physical activity. Thankfully, there are several organizations that welcome homeschooled students through daytime classes or even classes specifically for homeschoolers. If your student has trouble finding physical activities that interest them, there are many creative activities that enable them to explore new experiences while gaining the benefit of physical activity. Here are a couple of suggestions I have for physical education resources that provide varying benefits and welcome homeschoolers.
1. Aikido World Alliance
Aikido World Alliance offers courses in traditional Japanese martial arts. These courses are not only an opportunity for your student to gain physical activity and self-defense, but also develop skills in concentration, discipline, and cooperation. Students will be taught to develop, “a lifestyle devoted to personal growth, physical and spiritual fitness, and a deeply bound intentional community”.
2. Ultimate Ninjas Chicago
Ultimate Ninjas Chicago has designed exciting courses inspired by the television show, American Ninja Warrior, to challenge and excite kids ages 5 to 15. Students are challenged by courses that include ropes, climbing walls, monkey bars, quintuple steps and more. In addition to these courses, there is also a large space for students to run, play soccer, basketball, or floor hockey. Homeschool students are especially welcomed and are offered daytime courses to fit their schedule. This is a wonderful creative resource for physical fitness and can also increase creative thinking, agility, problem solving skills, and teamwork.
3. Premier Gymnastics Academy
Premier Gymnastics Academy offers students 2 through 16, beginner through advanced, classes in gymnastics. Homeschool students are especially welcomed through their afternoon classes specifically scheduled to support homeschool students’ needs. Through monthly payments, there is no long-term commitment necessary. These courses are encouraged for those seeking more physical fitness through learning new skills and having fun. There is also training for students seeking a more serious gymnastics future and are offered the opportunity to travel and compete with the team.
4. Crossroads Christian Youth Center
Crossroads Homeschool Sports Program is a non-denominational Christian organization that provides opportunities for homeschooled students to participate in high-quality sports training and participate in a competing team. Students are taught how to be athletes, team members, and how to honor Christ through their work. Crossroads offers baseball, basketball, volleyball, football, soccer, track, and PE classes.
5. YMCA Youth Classes
The YMCA offers a wide variety of fitness classes for students as young as two through adults. There is a class offered specifically for homeschooled students called, “Homeschool Gym”, which introduces students to a wide variety of sports and teaches teamwork skills. These classes are a wonderful affordable opportunity for adding physical fitness to a busy schedule without a big commitment.
I hope one of these organizations can be of use to you and your student. If they are not the right fit, I hope at least they sparked some new ideas for physical fitness or have provided inspiration to continue your search. If you would like to add your favorite resource to this list, please contact info@onedayenrichmentcom!
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