Outdoor Pursuits, Physical Education & Wellness
Discover expert resources on Outdoor Pursuits, Physical Education, and Wellness for homeschoolers. We have handpicked the best free and paid resources to support active learning and healthy living. Explore our guides and tools to enrich your homeschooling experience with activities that promote physical fitness, well-being, and a love for the outdoors.
Outdoor Pursuits
Exploring Nature with Children
"Exploring Nature With Children" is a remarkable teaching resource that offers a comprehensive and engaging approach to nature-based education. The curriculum guides parents and educators in seamlessly integrating nature studies into learning, fostering curiosity and environmental awareness. The book includes weekly themes, guided activities, book suggestions, and hands-on projects that make learning about the natural world both educational and enjoyable. With its well-organized layout and thoughtful content, "Exploring Nature With Children" becomes an essential tool for those seeking to instill a deep appreciation for nature in children while nurturing their understanding of science and the environment.
The Wild + Free group is a vibrant international community of homeschooling parents who share a common philosophy rooted in the belief that children thrive when connected with nature and engaged in creative learning experiences. This community operates both online and offline, fostering connections through social media platforms, local gatherings, and an annual conference. Wild + Free offers a plethora of resources, including podcasts, articles, and guides that align with their philosophy, encouraging a child-led, holistic education. Members of the Wild + Free community gain inspiration, support, and a sense of belonging among like-minded individuals who prioritize fostering a love for learning through nature, creativity, and community connections. Look for a local Wild + Free group in your community, and connect via their online portal.
John Muir Laws Website
The John Muir Laws website is a treasure trove of resources for nature enthusiasts, educators, and artists. The website's content is centered around nature journaling, offering a wealth of tutorials, tips, and guides on how to observe and document the natural world through art and writing. Led by John Muir Laws' philosophy of fostering a deeper connection with nature through observation and sketching, the website encourages individuals to engage with their surroundings in a mindful and artistic manner. This resource is invaluable for anyone seeking to develop their nature journaling skills, enhance their appreciation for the environment, and embrace a more intentional and creative approach to experiencing the outdoors. Be sure to check out their Educator Resources, and the fantastic free download “How to Teach Nature Journaling.”
1000 Hours Outside
This website serves as a fantastic resource for families and educators looking to encourage outdoor play and connection with nature. The website's content revolves around the philosophy of spending at least 1000 hours outdoors each year, promoting a healthy and enriching lifestyle for children. It offers a range of ideas, activities, and resources to help families track and engage in outdoor hours, fostering a deeper appreciation for the natural world. Their blog is an excellent tool for parents and educators seeking to prioritize outdoor experiences, physical activity, and unstructured play as essential components of children's development and well-being.
The Outdoor Learning School and Store
This site offers ongoing Free webinars over a multitude of themes relating to outdoor education today, including: bringing education outdoors, connecting children to nature through Indigenous Teachings, and Sustainability and Climate Change. They offer a selection of quality books and materials for sale as well, and are a valuable resource for homeschool families.
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Physical Education & Sports
The PE Central website is a comprehensive hub for physical education resources and ideas, catering to educators, parents, and students alike. The website offers a vast range of content, including lesson plans, activities, assessment tools, and professional development resources for physical education teachers, but resources can be easily adapted for homeschoolers. Grounded in the philosophy of promoting lifelong physical activity and healthy living, PE Central provides innovative and engaging resources to foster students' physical, mental, and social well-being. This is a great resource for educators and parents seeking to enhance their physical education curricula, providing a wealth of ideas and tools that ensure active, enjoyable, and well-rounded learning experiences.
The Playworks Games Library
This searchable website offers an impressive collection of inclusive and engaging games for children, educators, and parents. The content features a wide range of games with detailed instructions and variations, encouraging active play and social interaction. Rooted in the philosophy of promoting positive play experiences to develop essential life skills, the Playworks Games Library emphasizes teamwork, cooperation, and physical activity. This website serves as an excellent resource for parents and educators seeking to facilitate playful learning, offering a variety of games that contribute to children's overall development while making learning enjoyable and meaningful.
ACE Fitness Exercise Database and Library
The ACE Fitness Database and Library is a comprehensive resource that provides a wide range of exercises, workouts, and fitness information for individuals of all fitness levels. The content includes detailed descriptions, images, and videos, offering guidance on proper exercise techniques and routines. Rooted in the philosophy of promoting safe and effective physical activity, ACE Fit emphasizes evidence-based practices and personalized fitness plans. This resource is invaluable for anyone seeking to improve their fitness and overall well-being, as it offers a plethora of exercises and workouts that can be tailored to individual goals, making it a trusted and versatile tool for achieving a healthier lifestyle.
The Cosmic Kids yoga program on YouTube is a delightful and engaging platform designed to introduce children to the world of yoga and mindfulness. The content features a series of interactive yoga adventures that combine storytelling, movement, and relaxation techniques. Rooted in the philosophy of promoting physical activity, mental well-being, and emotional regulation, Cosmic Kids yoga encourages children to explore their bodies and emotions while fostering a sense of calm and focus. This program is an excellent resource for parents and educators seeking to help children develop mindfulness, flexibility, and self-awareness through imaginative and enjoyable yoga sessions. (Please note that because of the nature of YouTube, we encourage parents to review for content-appropriateness and be mindful of pop-ups that may not be suitable for children).
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PE With Joe
The PE With Joe playlist is found on the YouTube site The Body Coach TV with Joe Wicks. These videos for children, which were created during 2020, provide a series of short, energetic and fun exercise routines for families seeking to keep kids active without the need for any specialized equipment. This playlist is an excellent resource for parents looking to incorporate regular physical activity into their children's routines, encouraging healthy habits and a positive attitude towards exercise but we remind parents to monitor Youtube for possible pop-ups and un-related mature content.
Health & Wellness
Superpowered
The book Superpowered: Transform Anxiety into Courage, Confidence, and Resilience
by Renee Jain and Shefali Tsabary is aimed at children ages 8-15, but can also be a great reference for older kids and adults. Their book discusses the realities of having anxiety and offers practical, easy methods to help kids cope and ways to build resilience! Easy to read, and highly recommended!
The “Facing Mighty Fears” series of books, as well as the book “Outsmarting Worry: An Older Kid’s Guide to Managing Anxiety” by Dr. Dawn Huebner, all stand out as exceptional resources for kids dealing with anxieties, phobias and fears. These books are engaging, funny, and written in a way that relates to kids. Highly recommended!
GoZen!
The GoZen website and program offer a comprehensive and engaging approach to helping children develop resilience and manage anxiety, worry, anger, and negative thinking. Through a combination of animated videos, games, and activities, GoZen introduces children to practical strategies and coping mechanisms that promote emotional well-being. The program is rooted in a philosophy of empowering children with the skills they need to navigate life's challenges with confidence. With its user-friendly interface and evidence-based content, GoZen provides parents and educators with a valuable resource to support children in building emotional resilience and fostering a positive mindset.
Amaze.org
The Amaze.org website offers a valuable and comprehensive resource for sex education and healthy relationships for young people. The content includes a wide range of videos, articles, and resources that cover topics related to puberty, consent, LGBTQ+ issues, relationships, and more. Amaze.org's philosophy centers around providing accurate, age-appropriate, and inclusive information to empower young individuals with the knowledge they need to make informed decisions about their bodies and relationships. This website is an essential resource for parents, educators, and young people themselves, as it addresses important topics in a respectful and informative manner, contributing to a safer and healthier understanding of sexuality and relationships.
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Self-Love Rainbow is a supportive online space dedicated to self-care and mental health, created by Dominee Calderon. The site offers a variety of resources including blog posts, self-care challenges, and printables designed to help individuals cultivate self-love and emotional well-being. Dominee also shares personal insights and practical advice, making the content relatable and accessible. Additionally, the site features a shop with products and a book aimed at further promoting self-love practices.