Health
Date & Time
Instructor
Grade Level
Health is a practical course that encompasses topics typically covered in a traditional health class, taught from a Biblical perspective and emphasizing the family as the foundation for developing health standards. The class aims to provide information on spiritual, physical, mental, and social health while fostering growth through hands-on assignments.
Students will explore a healthy lifestyle through discussions on topics such as goal setting, understanding their unique SHAPE (spiritual gifts, heart, abilities, personality, and experiences), an overview of human body systems, nutrition, fitness and exercise, chronic diseases, stress and anxiety management, decision-making, responsible use of drugs and food, online safety, communication, and interpersonal relationships.
Class assignments include reflective activities based on videos and short readings, practical tasks like shopping for and preparing meals with whole foods, as well as short quizzes and tests. Additionally, students will have the opportunity to select a semester project that aligns with their personal health goals. The course emphasizes the practical application of health and wellness concepts to enhance the well-being of both the student and those around them.
SPECIAL NOTE #1: Please note that this course may not be eligible for reimbursement through the Florida Step Up program. Please check with registration@excelsiorclasses.com.
Please view prerequisites and required supplies below.
The required materials are two workbooks supplied by the teacher; these cost $25, which includes shipping. The teacher will reach out to all students in December concerning materials.
Lesen Schideman has always enjoyed teaching. She has a B.A. in Elementary Education and a M.A. in School Leadership from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and Chicago. After serving as a teacher for several years in Chicago, Beijing and Kiev in a variety of roles, she moved to Champaign, Illinois, where she homeschooled her four children and teaches math and science classes. Along the way, she has taught dozens of science classes, including health to high school students. Lesen likes to have fun with her students while helping to build their science literacy and awe for the Creator.
Lesen also enjoys talking to students and parents about life after high school. She believes all kids are talented in different ways and creatively looks for opportunities for them to find their ‘next step’.  With her own children having a mix of different gifted characteristics, including dyslexia, she is quick to adapt to the needs of her students. She is quite happy to work with students who can’t wait to ‘cross off their list of assignments’ and those that are anxious to ‘do their own thing’.Â
When she isn’t teaching, Lesen enjoys time at home, being a mom to her teenage and adult children, traveling, and exercising with friends. She is thankful for the Lord’s graciousness in her life!
Parent Y. –
My daughter took Mrs. Schideman’s health class as a freshman and we are both so grateful she did! My daughter dances and has some health challenges, so this course was perfect for her. She learned how to successfully create a lifestyle suited to her specific needs. Mrs. Schideman was supportive of the students, and made the course information interesting and pertinent. The lessons my daughter learned in this course will benefit her for her entire life. From both a student perspective and parent perspective, we highly recommend this course. Thank you, Mrs. Schideman!
Parent J. –
My daughter enjoyed this class and got a lot out of it. We are glad we selected it as one of her courses. There were many things that have benefited her with regard to healthy eating and exercise. The class was well taught and well organized.
Parent M. –
My daughter enjoyed this class with Lesen Schideman! She is an athlete, so she especially enjoyed learning about first aid and nutrition. She also got to prepare a family meal. From a parent’s perspective, I was happy they touched on mental well-being and internet safety and screen time during this course.