Why Study Health In Homeschool?

Health is “the complete, physical, mental, and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.” – World Health Organization

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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!

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Health And Nutrition Curriculum Giveaway

I want you to get your hands on the new Health And Nutrition curriculum from Apologia. It is a great high school course that will give your children valuable life skills as well as health knowledge. Take a look at the video below or visit Apologia for more info and then enter the giveaway below to win the curriculum!!!