Look no further. The best home PE activities are here. But they're not just great for home. They're perfect as warm ups, sub plans, brain breaks (to share with classroom teachers). All for free on my YouTube Channel. All games are also available ad-free (with early access to new games) at the PLAY: Interactive Arcade.
It's not difficult to be physically active at home but I think as Physical Educators, we are prone to overthinking everything. Honestly the best thing kids can do right now is go outside (and keep an appropriate social distance).
My first challenge to my students was to use every opportunity to go outside and play. I just asked them to check in with me from time to time and let me know what they're doing.
In this time of quarantine, families are stressed. The last thing I want is to add to any of that. If anything, physical activity should be an escape from stress. So my philosophy on Home PE is simple... I'm assigning activities that are fun! But also I'm assigning things they can do on their own. Then whenever I have live sessions with them, I find a way to do the same activity, but in a communal way.
Before we get into challenges and activities... Parents may be wondering what their kids are actually learning when they play these fun games. I highly recommend sharing this video or this post so they can see it's so much more than a good time.
Challenges
I started off teaching Home PE with some challenges (and I hope to add a few more over the next couple months. They're great because you can spend as much or as little time on them and depending on how students share them, they can be seen by all, which makes it enticing to work harder to go bigger and better.
Dance in Your Home "Gym"
Who doesn't love dancing? Well... quite a few people. But when you get the family involved and have permission to be as ridiculous as you want, it's the perfect challenge.
I challenged my students to dance either by themselves or with their family. Favorite songs, favorite dance moves (but to keep it appropriate because I have small children at home who are helping me grade their work). And I sent out a video of my family's participation.
Here were my instructions:
Dance to your favorite music this week!
Submit a 5-15 second video of you doing your favorite dance move in your home "gym." Whether its your basement, living room, backyard or kitchen, show off where you're moving. Get your family to dance with you! I'll put all the dances together in a video so we can all see each other (at least a little bit).
You choose the dance move You choose the music **Even though you're at home, make it school appropriate. I have small children at home, helping me grade work.
Make sure to check with your parents before posting the video! If you can't post a video, you may just write what your favorite dance moves are and what songs you're loving right now.
Paper Ball Trick Shot Challenge
This was a such a fun idea that I challenged my friends and colleagues as well as my students. You should definitely check out Ben Landers' (aka The PE Specialist) attempt here.
Here's the full description.
One of my students went all in on his take of the challenge.
Ziploc Keep it Up Challenge
Ziploc Soccer Juggling Challenge
Slam Dunk Challenge
Home Games and Activities
All of the games and activities listed here are perfect for playing at home. They can be played with items found around the house and with family members of all ages. Most of them can be modified as a one-player game.
Make sure to click the links for videos, pictures, and descriptions.
Find the match and do the activity that comes with it!
Flip the card and do the action. Perfect for live Virtual or In-Person classes. Also great for recess and brain breaks.
A modern, interactive twist on the classic. Send the link to your students and they can play on their computer or tablet.
Make a phone lock-screen with paper plates and race against the videos to tap the codes.
My new favorite way to play Unlock My Phone. Toss at the cups in the order of the code. This version is perfect for video chats!
It's the basketball game Knock Out but perfect for your living room. Race against your family, the clock, me, or your favorite PE teacher (*perfect opportunity to post yourself doing the activity for your students to beat you).
Another interactive game. This time a brain teaser. Can you keep up without making mistakes?
It's all the fun of Ultimate Kickball, but shrunk down to fit in the comfort of your home.
Make a trap with a laundry basket and try to toss a ball, trapping it inside.
The fast-paced, ball slapping, dodging game is perfect for your living room.
It's Gaga Ball but made for Younger Players.
High flying volley game.
It's like Four Square, but waaaaaaaaaaay better.
Honey, I shrunk the basketball game Knock Out (so now it's perfect indoors).
Knock Out for younger players
Another awesome striking game. Now the table isn't just for food.
Chuck Rush
Chuck a plastic grocery sack in the air. Run to touch a toy. Run back in time to catch the bag. So simple. So satisfying.
Wrecking Ball
Play against somebody else or your favorite PE teacher.
Can you beat me?