Fitness For Kids In Mind and Body: The Importance of PE In Homeschool Programs
Staying fit and participating in regular exercise can have an incredible impact on your lifestyle. Physical activity can be transformative to physical and mental health, and it can also help individuals to become happier in their everyday lives. So, when it comes to integrating physical activity into accredited homeschool programs, student’s physical health will become enhanced, as well as their cognitive function, emotional well-being, and social skills.
However, in an era where 75% of kids don’t get enough daily physical activity, it’s crucial to encourage students to get involved with their own well-being and ignite a lifelong love of activity and sports. Here at Hey Kanga, we’re passionate about providing a wonderful wellbeing platform to make PE both engaging and fun.
Our aim? To transform the way we teach children about the importance of regular activity, mindfulness and overall well-being. With easy-to-teach videos ranging from five-minute brain breaks to fully planned PE lesson ideas, Hey Kanga turns any teacher into an active learning expert.
Whether you’re a provider of accredited homeschool programs or a home educator, it’s essential to incorporate PE education into at-home lessons.
When kids get the activity they need, educators will spend less time handling behavior and more time on the important things, like having fun and creating a wonderful learning environment. With zero tech skills required and 100% happiness guaranteed, Hey Kanga turns any individual into an active learning expert. Our resources can be used alongside remote programs and online academies, which means you can have all the benefits in one go.
If you’re wondering what sort of video lessons we provide, you’re in the right place to learn more about fitness for kids. Simply read on!
Move breaks
Yoga
Dance
Gymnastics
Fundamental fitness
Games
Mindful breaks
Wellness checks and more!
So, with these amazing activities in mind, let’s dive into why fitness for kids is so important, especially when it comes to homeschool programs!
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Physical health benefits
It goes without saying that fitness for kids is a massive part of any educator’s homeschooling lesson plans. Taking part in PE education at home is essential for children, especially because regular physical activity helps children develop muscular strength, cardiovascular endurance, flexibility, coordination and so much more. The list is truly endless.
Engaging in specific exercises such as running, jumping and climbing also builds strong muscles and bones. This is essential during the years when students are growing! Taking part in regular exercise can also contribute to kids maintaining a healthy weight, which is really important for reducing risks of childhood obesity, cholesterol levels or joint issues.
Flexibility of PE in homeschooling and homeschool providers
When it comes to fitness for kids, homeschool programs allow individuals to tailor PE activities to the interests and fitness levels of their children. With Hey Kanga, you can take this a step further and create loads of enjoyable lesson plans that are engaging, digestible and exciting.
You can use the videos in many different environments too, which is a fantastic part of remote learning. Instead of the conventional confines of a classroom, you could take the activities outside to the beach, the backyard or a local park. That’s the beauty of homeschooling, it can be fully customisable, which means fitness for kids can be elevated!
Cognitive Development and Academic Performance
It’s no secret that physical activity can improve mental health, but did you know that it can also improve brain function and enhance concentration? In fact, many studies show that physical activity increases blood flow to the brain, which can enhance concentration, attention, memory and processing speed.
Exercise helps release brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a protein that supports learning and brain development. So, once kids have completed their PE activities, they will be able to focus on their academic tasks once they get back to their studies. They’ll have a refreshed mind and a rejuvenated attitude to learning! Physical activity also encourages children to think critically and solve problems, especially where strategy and quick decision-making are required.
Instils Healthy Habits
Early exposure to physical education is essential when it comes to promoting a lifelong appreciation for fitness and exercise. An active lifestyle can benefit kids in many different ways, especially as individuals who experience the benefits of exercise are more likely to continue being physically active as adults.
Having a structured homeschool routine can also create healthy habits, as kids will learn to follow a specific structure outside of a formal learning environment like a school classroom. In addition to physical activities, PE allows homeschool programs to educate children on the importance of proper nutrition, sleep and overall wellness. This holistic approach helps kids make informed decisions about their health.
Kinesthetic Learning Can Thrive
Active learning in a homeschool setting can amplify learning experiences and create kinesthetic learning environments. Physical movement stimulates brain activity, which makes learning much more effective. We’ve all experienced days where we’ve been glued to our laptop for too long and as a result, we may have struggled to concentrate or be productive.
Yet once you have a little brain break and take part in some form of physical exercise, you feel much more energised to get some work done. So, when it comes to fitness for kids, physical activity can make learning much more interesting!
Emotional And Mental Health Benefits
Exercise triggers the release of endorphins, which are natural mood boosters. PE can help kids manage stress, reduce anxiety and combat feelings of imposter syndrome, all of which children may be facing at points during the academic year, such as examination time. Achieving physical goals—whether it's mastering a new skill, improving in a sport, or completing a fitness challenge—boosts self-confidence and self-worth. Regular physical activity fosters a sense of accomplishment!
Kids can also benefit from emotional regulation. Engaging in physical activities can teach children how to manage emotions such as excitement, frustration and even disappointment. This is because they will be able to work on their emotional resilience if they begin a new sport or skill that may not come naturally to them.
Physical and Mental Discipline
A regular PE schedule promotes discipline, teaching children the importance of consistency and dedication. Learning physical skills requires practice and persistence, which can translate into better study habits and goal-setting in academic pursuits!
Fitness for kids can also strengthen the connection between the mind and body. Activities like yoga or mindfulness exercises teach children how to control their breath, centre their thoughts and stay calm under pressure—skills that are transferable to managing stress during schoolwork or exams.
With Hey Kanga, you can promote the importance of physical health and instil a love for fitness. Our library of over 1,000 videos will keep your lessons adaptable and full of variety.
So, what are you waiting for? Spark a lifelong love of exercise and healthy habits, and check out our free trial for new users.
This gives educators the opportunity to explore the platform and experience its benefits before making a commitment. The free trial allows you to see how Hey Kanga can enhance your classroom well-being activities!
FAQS
What is Hey Kanga?
Hey Kanga is a platform that aims to get everybody moving joyfully, expressively, and effectively, while helping children discover their full potential. It provides educators with a range of tools, including quick movement breaks, dances, mindfulness meditation, fitness games and comprehensive physical education curriculums!
Is Hey Kanga suitable for homeschooling families?
Yes, we have lots of families who are enjoying the Hey Kanga platform with their homeschooling students.
What is Hey Kanga’s privacy policy?
Hey Kanga’s privacy policy can be found here,
How many videos does Hey Kanga have?
Hey Kanga has over 1000 videos for children ages 3 years to 18 years. Videos can be easily filtered by age, difficulty, genre and music type!
Do I need to purchase equipment to use the videos?
While some of our videos do use equipment such as drum sticks, yoga balls and yoga mats, most videos offer a no-equipment alternative and more than half of our video catalogue does not require any equipment at all.
Can I download the videos to play them offline?
Yes, videos can be downloaded and are available to you offline. Follow the directions in the ‘My Downloads’ section.