The Olympics are upon us. Not only do the Games capture our attention
and imagination, they serve as the perfect opportunity for school-age
children and young adults to keep the learning alive this summer. The
Olympics can provide an excellent transition as the new academic year
approaches. It’s a chance to set new goals, entice children to broaden
their involvement in projects, encourage young people to learn about
geography and other cultures, and hone practical skills.
As a teaching tool, watch the Olympics as a family and discover all of its hidden lessons. Whether you have a kindergartner or a senior in high school, you can find topics that relate. For one, the Olympics can create a healthy dialogue about the importance of physical activity, hard work and perseverance. For all ages, talk about how a healthy diet impacts performance. Remind your child of the fruits and vegetables an athlete must eat to build strong muscles and maintain energy.
As you gather around your television or computer, talk about the many competing athletes from around the world. It is a great time to promote values such as teamwork and friendship.
When it comes to curriculum, lessons abound. There are more than 200 nations participating in the 2012 Olympics in London. For younger children, talk about the different colors of the flags, the various national anthems and the languages that are spoken. To help teach geography using the Games, have a map, atlas, or globe on-hand. Download maps off the Internet and point out the various countries of the athletes. You can even use stickers to identify the locations you discover. For older students, share thoughts about skills related to communication, collaboration and citizenship, culture and creativity, enterprise and internationalism.
If your child’s favorite athlete is from the United States, look up their state (or city) as you watch your favorite sports. Or, look up the countries of the athletes who win medals. To add a challenge for an older student, have them research information about some of the participating nations. Perhaps you can learn if wealthier nations medal the most or learn about the populations of those countries who medal the least.
Opportunities like this only come around every two years. Take advantage of bridging the thrill of the Games, the anticipation of a job well done, and the joy of learning.
Educators at Connections Academy are offering families a fun, free, online Olympics-themed trivia game that celebrates and helps build enthusiasm for the London 2012 Summer Olympic Games. Featuring twenty trivia questions of varying degrees of difficulty, the Quiz Bowl Trivia Challenge, Summer Olympics Edition promotes lively and educational discussion between parents, students of all ages, and their friends. “Play” online, or download a printable version by visiting www.connectionsacademy.com/quiz.
As a teaching tool, watch the Olympics as a family and discover all of its hidden lessons. Whether you have a kindergartner or a senior in high school, you can find topics that relate. For one, the Olympics can create a healthy dialogue about the importance of physical activity, hard work and perseverance. For all ages, talk about how a healthy diet impacts performance. Remind your child of the fruits and vegetables an athlete must eat to build strong muscles and maintain energy.
As you gather around your television or computer, talk about the many competing athletes from around the world. It is a great time to promote values such as teamwork and friendship.
When it comes to curriculum, lessons abound. There are more than 200 nations participating in the 2012 Olympics in London. For younger children, talk about the different colors of the flags, the various national anthems and the languages that are spoken. To help teach geography using the Games, have a map, atlas, or globe on-hand. Download maps off the Internet and point out the various countries of the athletes. You can even use stickers to identify the locations you discover. For older students, share thoughts about skills related to communication, collaboration and citizenship, culture and creativity, enterprise and internationalism.
If your child’s favorite athlete is from the United States, look up their state (or city) as you watch your favorite sports. Or, look up the countries of the athletes who win medals. To add a challenge for an older student, have them research information about some of the participating nations. Perhaps you can learn if wealthier nations medal the most or learn about the populations of those countries who medal the least.
Opportunities like this only come around every two years. Take advantage of bridging the thrill of the Games, the anticipation of a job well done, and the joy of learning.
Educators at Connections Academy are offering families a fun, free, online Olympics-themed trivia game that celebrates and helps build enthusiasm for the London 2012 Summer Olympic Games. Featuring twenty trivia questions of varying degrees of difficulty, the Quiz Bowl Trivia Challenge, Summer Olympics Edition promotes lively and educational discussion between parents, students of all ages, and their friends. “Play” online, or download a printable version by visiting www.connectionsacademy.com/quiz.
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