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A father plays with his children in Houston’s Gerald D. Hines Waterwall Park.
A father plays with his children in Houston’s Gerald D. Hines Waterwall Park.
Photo: Inti St Clair/Getty Images/Tetra Images RF
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A father plays with his children in Houston’s Gerald D. Hines Waterwall Park.
A father plays with his children in Houston’s Gerald D. Hines Waterwall Park.
Photo: Inti St Clair/Getty Images/Tetra Images RF
2020 has been a year! As the new year dawned, no one could’ve anticipated how drastically life would change, yet here we are. The coronavirus pandemic has changed the way we carry out our day-to-day activities in public. But, if you’re like me, the real change is at home.
In late March, Houston area school officials paused in-person learning to slow the community spread of COVID-19. Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo then implemented her Stay Home-Work Safe plan, which ordered all non-essential businesses to close. The new changes required many of us to not only work from home, but to educate our children at home, too.
But, hey we’re Houston strong, so we’ve got this, right? Right!
Now as we enter what would ordinarily be the traditional new school year, Houston Independent School District and many others are opening for another round of virtual learning. Not only that, but many parents have decided to independently homeschool their kiddos for the foreseeable future.
In addition to developing or following a robust home school curriculum, parents are now the physical education coaches, too. Because P.E. is just as important, our team is stepping in to give you exciting ways to get active with your kids. We’ve put together a list of fun activities to get homeschooled students of all ages (and their parents) moving.
1. Biking
18″ Rampage Boy’s Bike – walmart.com
88.00
See all bikes available at Walmart.com.
Biking is a fun way to get the entire family out of the house for physical activity and bonding. Plan to spend 30 minutes a day cruising through your neighborhood with the kids. For a change in scenery, visit one of Houston’s beautiful parks with bike trails.
2. Toss & Catch
Velcro Paddle Catch Ball Set 1-Pack (Color May Vary) – walmart.com
9.98
This game can be tailored for homeschool students of any age. And, with a low price point, it’s affordable to buy multiple sets so everybody can play at once.
3. Old fashioned outdoor games
Hopscotch Playmat Foam Interlocking Puzzle Floor Mat – amazon.com
16.73
The best thing about hopscotch is you can play it indoors or out. All you need for a game of outdoor hopscotch is sidewalk chalk. For a cost-effective indoor variation, use painter’s tape. If you forgot how to play, check out this hopscotch tutorial from Parent’s Magazine.
Rainbow Jump Rope, 7-foot, Plastic Segments – walmart.com
6.99
You’re never too old for jumping rope! Create timed contests and trick challenges to keep kids of all ages engaged.
4. Badminton
Badminton Starter Set – walmart.com
29.99
Ok, badminton isn’t the easiest sport, but it’s fun for kids as young as seven. If you’re up to the challenge, get some serious game time at the Houston Badminton Center where you can reserve a private court!
While you’re at it, get the most out of your net and buy a volleyball, too! Check out this snazzy Texas-themed volleyball sold by Academy.
15-Minute HIIT 1.0 Workout – amazon.com
4.99
Workout videos are more ideal for your older homeschoolers. We suggest starting with beginners-level workouts and working your way up to tougher and longer training sessions up to three days a week.
Think your littles will enjoy video workouts too? Try these kids fitness programs.
Hearst Newspapers participates in various affiliate marketing programs, which means we may get paid commissions on editorially chosen products purchased through our links to retailer sites.
Micolette Davis is the Local Deals Curator for Hearst Newspapers. Email her at micolette.davis@hearst.com.