In my last post, I talked about the absence, of physical education requirements for most homeschoolers. I also mentioned, that just because many states do not expressly require proof of physical fitness, it does not mean that you can neglect it. Depending on the college your child chooses, you may find the need to demonstrate that your child has fulfilled P.E. requirements. Here is a list of things you can do pack the homeschool portfolio with proof of Physical Education.
Certificates and awards: Your child can prove that he or she has not only participated, but also excelled in Physical Education by getting certified and gaining awards in as many areas as possible. For example, a Black Belt in martial arts would prove your child has mastered that area of physical fitness. A lifeguard certification would show that he or she is a strong swimmer. (My 10 and 12 year olds currently have certificates to show what level of swimming they are at, and next year we are considering swim team, which will hopefully bring a trophy or two, and eventually their lifeguard certifications.)
Keep a scrapbook: Keep a phys-ed scrapbook for your child. Take photos at every team activity, and every solo feat (like distance running, or speed walking) and even of your child meeting a personal fitness goal like 100 sit-ups for the first time. Place the photos in your scrapbook with date, activity information, amount of hours spent on the activity, and awards or goals met.
Signed Statements: For every team sport, tumbling or ballet class your child participates in, you can ask for a short note saying what the child participated in, with a signature. Just tell the instructor or coach you are a homeschooler, if they do not already know, and that their short statement will help you fulfill homeschool requirements.
These are just a few ways you help your child to meet physical education requirements, whether they be set by you, the state, or the college they plan to attend. Stay tuned for my next post, which will list numerous ways to get and/or keep your homeschooler physically fit.
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