exercise for kids Archives - A Better Way to Homeschool

I can almost say, “YES!” to this one.

A fellow homeschooling mom shared an article about schools in Finland comparing them with our wonderful educational system in the United States. Interestingly enough, Finland’s kids have the highest test scores, yet their kids spend much less time in an actual classroom each day.

News Flash:
In Finland, the kids spend a short amount of time studying a subject and then they are sent outside for a 15-minute recess. Rain or Shine. I immediately tweaked this to apply to my household of boys.

Multiple times a day during “school” I send my boys outside to play. At first, there was almost a full-scale revolt.

I didn’t realize how much I had chained them to the kitchen table until I began sending them out during school.

Benefits:

They are getting plenty of exercise.

They are starting to get along better on a more consistent basis. (Except right this second. One child is copying one of his younger brothers and it has caused some drama, but no one is perfect). The boys are basically best friends most of the time. The rest of the time they act like little tyrants, giving me plenty of time to practice patience and creative parenting. Anyone else in my boat?

That healthy glow is not photo-shopped. The kids not only seem happier, but they look healthier as well. There’s nothing quite like a daily dose of fresh air.

Surprisingly Challenging:

I found that over the years this is one of those areas that I overlook and neglect. There is always one more book to read, one more paragraph to write, a few more math facts to perfect, chores to be done, and errands to be run. The simplicity of letting the kids get outside and play wasn’t a simple thing for me.

I have to purpose to let the kids play. Its so very important, not just for their ability to get out some of that energy, but for their problem solving, creative, and eager little minds. They are better when they have played outside (OK, usually). Quite honestly, I am better when they play outside. It allows me a few moments to form an individual thought, make dinner, or simply regroup.

It’s so very important, not just for their ability to get out some of that energy, but for their problem solving, creative, and eager little minds. They are better when they have played outside (OK, usually).

Quite honestly, I am better when they play outside. It allows me a few moments to form an individual thought, make dinner, or simply regroup.

How about you? Do your kids get enough outside time?

Evaluating What Works and What Doesn’t.
Click here to read “Spring Fever” to help you take a good look at what you are doing.