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Olympics 2008
 Citius -Altius - Fortius
Faster - Higher - Stronger
 | Print a world map with country outlines, such as those found at: http://www.yourchildlearns.com/megamaps.htm.
We print a large size map and hang it on the kids' closet door. Follow the
results of the games, either on television or online, and have the kids
place colored star stickers on the map to represent medals won. The large
inexpensive packs of stickers usually come with at least 3 colors (we use
the red stickers for bronze medals). For older kids, they can label the
countries and capitals as well. Younger kids can take gold stars and place
on the appropriate country, or older kids can research Olympians and place
the medals on the hometown or training facility of the athlete(s). This is
also a great opportunity to use graphing with the kids by keeping a chart
next to the map denoting countries with medals earned. For families with
several kids, it can be fun for the kids to divide the specific athletic
events and each one is in charge of tracking a sport, or simply assigning
certain days for each child. |
| Learn about China, the host country for the 2008 Olympics, through fun
activities.
 | Print a separate outline map of China for each child. The younger
children can label the map with the name of the country and major
geographical features, such as mountains. Older kids can label larger cities
and more detailed geographical features. You can find numerous details
on elevations, border, and more at: http://geography.about.com/library/cia/blcchina.htm. |
| Check out a video from your local library on Mount Everest, The Great
Wall, and more, for video
night. |
| Find all of the basic facts about Mount Everest here. |
| See photos from the top of Everest, notes on Sherpas, and have access to games
for kids here. |
| Color the flag of
China and the United States and compare/contrast them with a Venn diagram. |
|
 Watch
this online
video showing how to use chopsticks - Good luck!
| This article gives the history
of chopsticks and hints for actually getting the food from the bowl to
your mouth! |
| Check out this recipe
for fried rice - kid friendly style. |
| Learn more about Chinese dining etiquette here. |
| Head to the local Chinese restaurant and try out those newfound chopstick
skills with the kids. |
Learn more about the Olympics throughout the years.
| Have the kids step back in time to the first
Olympics. |
| Meet the official Olympic
mascots of the 2008 Summer Games. |
| Have the kids make the Olympic rings in this easy activity.
Depending upon your paper size, take anything from an empty yogurt container
to an ice cream pail and have the kids trace the circles in the form of the
Olympic rings, then color. Older kids can check out the origin and meaning
of the rings at: http://multimedia.olympic.org/pdf/en_report_1303.pdf
(Please note that the rings may not be duplicated in any way for profit or
commercial use. The Olympic rings are the exclusive property of the
International Olympic Committee (IOC). The Olympic rings are protected
around the world in the name of the IOC by trademarks or national
legislations and cannot be used without the IOC's prior written consent. The
Olympic Charter, Chapter 1, Rules 7-14, p. 17-25) |
 Plan
your own backyard Olympics using your jungle gym or area pool or lake. The
possibilities are endless, and the kids can make their own medals ahead of time
to give to each other. Aluminum foil, glitter, and canning lids can be magically
transformed into a treasure. Some awards for the younger ones might include
"Best Little Brother" and "Strongest 7-Year Old". The older
ones might enjoy the challenge of a timed event. Awards can be for the obvious
best time, or can be modified to "Strength" or "Endurance".
Don't be afraid to get goofy and add your own sports, like hula-hooping, bubble
blowing, and hopscotch!
techw@hickorytech.net
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