In my blog entitled Meeting P.E. Requirements for the Homeschool Portfolio and two articles that followed, I talked primarily about the physical aspects of Physical Education, and how a homeschooler might meet those requirements. I did not however mention, as one commenter pointed out, any aspects of health education. This was an oversight… sort of.
You see, I do not see sex education and overall health as a function of education, but a function of parenting. In addition, many of these subjects are also covered in science. These things are not only taught through dinner table conversation, but also through example. Since someone did make this distinction, I will go ahead and address ways to cover health education in a curriculum, if you are so inclined.
The Care and Keeping of You: The Body Book for Girls is a book I used to facilitate discussion of feminine issue with my daughter. In addition to matters of a personal nature, it also covers health, hygiene, acne, hair care and healthy eating. If your state requires that, you teach your child these issues as a curriculum, showing that you covered the topics in this book should do the trick. This book is great for girls who need to talk about their bodies, but may not be ready for the entire story just yet.
The Body Book grades 3-6 is a fun workbook that explains how the body grows. Another version of The Body Book is for girls aged 9-12 and is crammed with personal issues for pre-teen girls, written from a Christian perspective. It is recommended for ages 9-12.
For Boys, you can purchase What’s Happening to My Body, Book for Boys. This book is for ages 8-15 and talks about all aspects of puberty, exercise, STD’s and more.
There are also complete health curriculums like Switched on Schoolhouse Health Quest.
*Have a question about homeschooling? Just ask.
*Want to know more about homeschooling? Start with the 2006 homeschool blog in review!
* Have you seen the homeschooling curriculum glossary?