If you are one of the millions of parents who have decided to homeschool for any reason, there is one suggestion I would like to make - keep your children active. Children are not designed to sit behind a computer for hours. They need to get up and move. Their brains literally stop taking in information if they sit for too long. Recess and PE are part of most kids school schedule for an important reason.
There have been some amazing studies done that show how exercise is super important when it comes to a child’s learning. The book “Spark: The Revolutionary New Science of Exercise and the Brain” shares a comprehensive study that was conducted about how exercise affects a child’s learning and retention. The study showed that children who consistently exercised showed great improvement in test scores. It's important to note that the reference to “exercise” does not mean a child who sits in the outfield on a kickball field, but a child who is truly exercising with an increased heart and breathing rate for an extended period of time.
When I read this book I found it fascinating to see such clear results on how exercise literally allows us to retain more information. So, if you want your child to perform well in their school work, make exercise a non-negotiable part of their daily routine.
Exercise also helps with depression and anxiety. Many children really struggle emotionally and mentally with change and uncertainties like the ones we are currently facing with the COVID-19 pandemic. Children can easily fear the future and feel very out of control. Not only is it sad to see our child struggle with depression, anxiety and fear, but it can also make it harder for them to focus and learn. Another reason to include a consistent exercise routine is because they will also sleep better which obviously affects their learning. I can’t stress enough how important it is that children are active while they are doing at home studies.
At Faithful Workouts we offer online workouts specifically designed for kids. The workouts include upbeat Christian music and inspirational messages that address what children their age need to hear. During the workouts they will also see kids from 7 - 17 working out with them too.
In addition to the online workouts we also offer a complete 18-week PE / Health curriculum that includes weekly teaching and worksheets on faith, fitness and food. Written and fitness tests are also part of the program so you can check their progress.
The program includes 3 core teachings:
FAITH– Through the Biblical messages, you will learn how to apply God's word to your own life. You will answer questions that will require you to go deeper into scripture and journal your thoughts so that you can hear from the Holy Spirit more clearly.
FITNESS– If you want to get healthy, one of the first things you need to do is exercise. This program will teach you the do’s and don’ts of exercise. You will also take monthly fitness tests and do weekly workout videos.
FUEL– Nutritional guidance is included in your weekly readings. You will learn how to properly fuel your body. There aren’t any fad diets included in the program. Our starting principle is that God created you and God created food, so eat what God created in its most natural state. Faithful Workouts simplifies the complex issue of nutrition into an easy-to-understand plan.
In 1 Timothy 4:8 we are told that, “Physical training is good, but training for godliness is much better, promising benefits in this life and in the life to come.” This program is designed to help support you in getting your teen(s) stronger physically and spiritually.
I am a mother of three adult children and when they were young I definitely wanted them to do well in school, but nothing was more important to me than their physical and spiritual well-being. So not only does our program help your children with their studies, it also makes them stronger physically and spiritually. When your children use these resources, my hope is that:
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They will know how to effectively exercise and the truth about nutrition;
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They will get to know Jesus better and want to follow Him; and
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They will be excited to tell others about Jesus.
This program is really geared for kids 5th-12th grade, but younger children can also benefit! If your children are younger than 12, they will need extra guidance with the reading and some of the concepts.
I am excited to offer these workouts to help your kids stay active and healthy while they are being schooled at home.
You can find access to these workouts and curriculum under our Resources Tab called Youth PE Curriculum. This will give you access to 13 workouts that your kids and the entire family can enjoy as well as the 18-week curriculum in a digital format and printable worksheets.
(You can also purchase the full hard copy of the curriculum workbook from our ONLINE STORE)
Want to try one of the workouts?! I know you will have a ton of fun with this one!
There is no better investment than the spiritual and physical growth of our children and am confident this resource will help support you as a Christian parent.