Track & Field day - Homeschool style! No, this looks nothing like what will be happening at public schools across the nation over the next month. This is a unique event filled with love, laughter, and a little bit of a lesson for everyone.
Today was our local area's Track & Field Day for Homeschoolers. While it was a little different from last year's, it was a whole lot of fun for the families who attended. Unfortunately, there wasn't as high of a turn out as last year due to poor weather, but, as my son pointed out; "Less competetion!"
Last year, each child was given a schedule of the day's events and had their own personal accomplishments in each event filled in for them which we were able to bring home and add directly to our portfolio. This year, we had no written record to bring home, but luckily my son scored a couple of ribbons! Yes, ribbons - something public school kids can no longer appreciate because on their field day, everyone gets a ribbon. But we homeschoolers must like it "old school" style because only the 1st, 2nd and 3rd place winner in each event actually gets a ribbon. Participants get the joy of participating but no ribbon for having shown up but lost.
Going into today's event, I told my son today was not about ribbons, though. Today was about friendship and positive encouragement to his peers. And he, along with the other 7 & 8 year olds in his group, did a great job of cheering each other on for each event! I was impressed to see kids cheering for each other even when it might mean they'd lose out on a ribbon themselves. And when a child did not receive a ribbon, others were quick to say, "You could get one next time!"
So despite the freezing cold winds that were blowing and the storm clouds overhead threatening to rain on our parade, I am glad we went and glad I saw elementary aged children working on being good, kind members of society (working on their "socialization" if you will). I also watched toddlers sharing toys and teenagers helping both the adults and the younger children. When you were in high school, can you imagine having a toddler at your feet running into the path as you were running the 100 yard dash?! lol No, but our homeschooled kids took it with humor and a grain of salt. After all, society is made up of more than just people your own age or ability level - it is comprised of humans of every color, shape, size, age and ability.
I can hardly wait for next year's track & field day!
That sounds like so much fun. Thank you for sharing this concept- I can't wait until our group has one. What an excellent resource. This sounds like one of those things the kids will remember forever.
It really IS a lot of fun and something the kids look forward to each year. A woman in the area started it about 15 years ago, so it's quite the tradition around here. One of the best parts (to me) is seeing ALL of the homeschoolers come out - not just the ones from our own co-op or the ones who attend homeschool gym class at the YMCA with us, but ALL of them! I never quite realize how many homeschoolers there are until they show up in full force ready for a day of competition and fun.
We do it each spring (in May before the craziness of finishing portfolios and wrapping up the 'school year' happens) and the kids are separated by ages (5&6, 7&8, 9&10, 11&12, 13+). The events are usually the same - a football and softball throw for distance, a 100 yard dash (the older kids also do an 800 and 1600 yard run), timed sit-ups & push-ups, timed jump rope jumps, etc. Last year there was a pretty elaborate obstacle course, but we had a different organizer this year and the kids sure didn't miss it as they were so busy with the other activities.
I LOVE that they earn ribbons! My son "only" got a 2nd & a 3rd place, but he was genuinely happy to have received anything and was super proud of himself. I was just proud of him for going, trying the events and exhibiting good sportsmanship.
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