IPM May 20

Tips from a PE Teacher
Dad to Keep Active in
Self-isolation
As an elementary school PE teacher—and dad—I know how
important it is for kids to get lots of active play, every day.
Here’s how I’m keeping my four-year-old
active during this unprecedented time:
1. Keep it simple
We walk daily. Rain or shine. They
say adults go for walks but children go
on adventures. During these adventures,
we’ve looked for animals in the forest,
picked up natural loose parts to make a
magic “potion,” and we’ve done a few
window walks, looking for hearts. My
toddler has also ridden her bike, and
created her own obstacle course.
Suite 228, 102–15910 Fraser Highway, Surrey BC V4N 0X9
2. Learn new skills or improve
a skill
When we go outside to play, I like to
let my daughter lead the activities. This
improves her engagement in staying active
because the ideas come from her and
not her dad. I like to keep the garage
door open when we’re outside, and she’ll
go in and choose what she wants to play
with. Lately, she’s been wanting to learn
how to hula hoop or skateboard (we
work on her balance while she’s holding
my hands).
Here are other ideas that you could
try with your children (you’ll get more
engagement from them if you also give
it a try!):
• Learn how to juggle a soccer ball. If
that seems too difficult just now, you can
start by keeping a balloon up with your
feet.
• Improve your basketball dribbling
skills. Try using both hands.
• If your access to sports equipment
is limited, take the time to improve your
flexibility.
• Challenge your family with minuteto-win-it
activities (How many jumping
jacks can you do in a minute? How many
times can you successfully attempt a
bottle flip?).
3. Try an online activity video
Sometimes it’s fun to just follow along
with a video on YouTube. We’ve noticed
that when we ask her if she wants to try a
video, she’ll often say no. However, if we
just put the video on and start working
out she’ll eventually join us.
4. Your physical education
teacher can help!
Don’t be shy to send an email to your
children’s PE teachers. We love to hear
from the kids we teach! Or, if you search
for #HPEatHome on Twitter, you’ll find
plenty of amazing ideas from PE teachers
all over the world.
For more ideas, you can join the Active
at Home Facebook group.
David Benay is a PE teacher and father
of one. Reprinted with permission from Active
for Life, a national initiative created to help
parents raise physically literate children.
activeforlife.com.
20 Island Parent @Home IslandParent.ca