Health is “the complete, physical, mental, and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.” – World Health Organization
Whenever we think of being healthy, most of us think in terms of our physical bodies. We think that if we do not feel sick or do not have an injury we are healthy. Things like exercise and nutrition, also, come to mind And, that is partially right.
Physical health is important, but only aspect of health. We need to think about the whole person when speaking of a person’s health.
A person’s health is made up of 4 main aspects: physical, mental/emotional, social, and spiritual. If anyone of these is compromised, a person is not healthy. Just as it is important to take care of our bodies to stay healthy, it is equally important to care for our minds and spirits.
It is important for kids (and adults) to look at their whole being and that of others when they think of health. It truly is a balance. If one part is not healthy, it negatively affects the entire being. It is important to learn about health so you know how to stay healthy and how to know when you are not.
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Homeschool Health Curriculum
In traditional schools, a health course is part of the required curriculum in most middle and high schools. So, why don’t we study health in homeschool? Don’t get me wrong. I have seen health curriculum available, I just have never heard of anyone actually using it. Health in homeschool is a subject that is not commonly emphasized.
In fact, I didn’t even think about teaching health in our homeschool until Apologia came out with their new Health and Nutrition curriculum and they asked me to take a look at it. The curriculum does a great job of addressing the 4 main areas of health. It explains why these are all important factors in a person’s health and well-being, how to stay healthy, and when you need to get help in those areas.
As I read through the text, I realized that my kids probably do not know this. Health in our homeschool was basically me teaching them the importance of exercise, eating good food, and brushing their teeth. Anyone else?
In our world of bullying, depression, suicides, and mass shootings, it is important to teach our kids about mental, social, and spiritual health just as much as the physical. They need to know how to keep their entire beings healthy, not just their bodies. And, they need to know why this is important!
Related post: Nutrition Study Resources
Focusing On Health In Homeschool
For the entire month of January, I will be sharing resources and information that will help you teach the aspects of health to your children. We will, also, have fun activities and lesson ideas. Some of the ideas and information will be inspired by the new Health And Nutrition curriculum from Apologia. Others will not. (This post was inspired by the food diary activity found in the curriculum – Food Journal Printable For Kids.)
I want to give you the inspiration to teach health topics in your homeschool whether you use a curriculum, create a unit study, or just add in health information throughout your journey. I am looking forward to a great month!
Health Education Resources
Comparing Nutrition Labels Activity
Why Teach Kids About Mental Health
Very interested, especially dilver I teach puplic middle school. However, my daughter is homeschooled.
I was looking to getting this for my kids. Hopefully I’ll win so wer can try it!!!
I look forward to teaching this!!!
What an awesome giveaway! Thank you for the opportunity!
Looks so good
After reading about the curriculum, I’m impressed. It looks to be very thorough and covers subjects teens truly need to learn about.
I thought so too!
What a great way to start 2019, leaning to get healtheir and stay that way.
I’d really love this book to help my daughter who I homeschool- she is nearly 14, a little overweight and I think she may even be a bit depressed. I try to encourage her to exercise and about the importance of it for your mental health too but I’m not getting far. Hopefully this book will teach me how to help my daughter.
This curriculum goes into mental and emotional health in an age-appropriate manner. I think your daughter will get a lot out of it.
This looks excellent and I’m excited to teach it to our kids. Thanks for the opportunity to win this! 🙂