The 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing will be here soon. For parents, watching the Olympics with their kids can be a wonderful opportunity to learn about sports, sportsmanship, and the world. These activities will get your children excited about moving and learning.
Keep a globe or a world map near the TV to show your child where he or she lives and compare it to where Beijing is. Then as different athletes compete, look up where they are from also. Point out Greece, where the Olympics originated and
the Olympic torch is lit at the beginning of the torch relay.
Make a point to watch sports with your children that they may not know about such as synchronized swimming, kayaking, or crew.
Point out that the one of the goals of the Olympics is international unity. Each of the five colors of the interlocking rings of the Olympic logo-red, yellow, blue, green, and black-represent one of the five major continents of the world. One or more of these colors is present in the flags of every nation.
Recreate some of the Olympic track events in your backyard. Some good events to recreate are long jump, sprints, triple jump (a hop, followed by a step, then a jump), shot put (a softball is a good substitute for young children), and discus (use a Frisbee). Measure your children's height, length, and speed and challenge them to compete against themselves by breaking their own records. Share the Olympic motto, "Swifter, higher, stronger" as your children push their limits.
Applaud examples of good sportsmanship during the Olympics. Discuss what sacrifices Olympians make to get to the games.
Let your children practice their gymnastic abilities by putting out a blanket on the lawn to practice front rolls (summersaults), handstands, and cartwheels. A board on the grass can become a safe balance beam for practicing routines.
Discuss the meaning of the Olympic creed: "The most important thing in the Olympic Games is not to win but to take part, just as the most important thing in life is not the triumph but the struggle. The essential thing is not to have conquered but to have fought well."
Keep a globe or a world map near the TV to show your child where he or she lives and compare it to where Beijing is. Then as different athletes compete, look up where they are from also. Point out Greece, where the Olympics originated and
Make a point to watch sports with your children that they may not know about such as synchronized swimming, kayaking, or crew.
Point out that the one of the goals of the Olympics is international unity. Each of the five colors of the interlocking rings of the Olympic logo-red, yellow, blue, green, and black-represent one of the five major continents of the world. One or more of these colors is present in the flags of every nation.
Recreate some of the Olympic track events in your backyard. Some good events to recreate are long jump, sprints, triple jump (a hop, followed by a step, then a jump), shot put (a softball is a good substitute for young children), and discus (use a Frisbee). Measure your children's height, length, and speed and challenge them to compete against themselves by breaking their own records. Share the Olympic motto, "Swifter, higher, stronger" as your children push their limits.
Applaud examples of good sportsmanship during the Olympics. Discuss what sacrifices Olympians make to get to the games.
Let your children practice their gymnastic abilities by putting out a blanket on the lawn to practice front rolls (summersaults), handstands, and cartwheels. A board on the grass can become a safe balance beam for practicing routines.
Discuss the meaning of the Olympic creed: "The most important thing in the Olympic Games is not to win but to take part, just as the most important thing in life is not the triumph but the struggle. The essential thing is not to have conquered but to have fought well."
You don't have to spend a lot of money to have a summer full of fun. These activities will provide opportunities for family togetherness, and help create many lasting memories.
By Mary Moss | Published 5/23/2007 | Read more »
Are your kids bored? Do you want them to somehow occupy themselves, but you have run out of ideas of things for them to do? Check out my list for suggestions of activities your kids can do themselves (with supervision).
By Michelle Robinson | Published 5/23/2007 | Read more »
The kids are out of school for summer, and you are about ready to pull all your hair out. Money may be tight, but that doesn't mean you can't have fun!
By Cheryl Webb | Published 6/6/2007 | Read more »
If you can't afford to send your kids to day camp this summer, worry not. They might have been bored to tears in that place anyway. There are much more cost-effective ways to keep them busy and happy.
By Alicia Suenaga | Published 7/5/2007 | Read more »
Now that summer is here and kids are out of school, parents and kids alike are sometimes at a loss of how to occupy all of the free time.
By Skilbilda | Published 7/10/2007 | Read more »
Fun, interesting crafts that kids will enjoy.
By Laura Ward | Published 7/29/2007 | Read more »
|
|
Most Comments Today
- Hot News Quickies - Friday, July 3, 2009 News happnes while you sleep - get your Hot News Quickies her! 29 Comments
- Divorce and Partial Custody: Coping with Normal Parental... Divorce and partial custody are a difficult row to hoe for us men. Please un... 23 Comments
- The Do-Boy Are goodies worth more to you than freedom? 21 Comments
- David Carradine Second Autopsy Results Results of the second autopsy of 72 year old actor, David Carradine, have bee... 20 Comments
- Psychic Children: Dealing with My Intuitively Gifted Gran... This is the third installment in a series based on the true facts about two o... 19 Comments
- Michael Jackson's Secret Girlfriend Revealed Who was Michael Jackson's girlfriend before the time of his death. According... 15 Comments