I’ve been waiting four years for this—it’s almost time for the Summer Olympics in London. The games begin July 27 with the opening ceremony, and closing ceremonies are on Aug. 12. For the two weeks in between, I will be glued to my favorite events: beach volleyball, diving, hiking, swimming, volleyball and—my all-time favorite—gymnastics. Looking for a way to extend the Olympics beyond the television set? Host a mini Olympics with either your family or your neighbors!
In today’s technological world, it is increasingly more important to keep children active. ”Kids today need to be more active. Type 2 diabetes and obesity are on the rise, and being active will prevent heart disease,” Laura Sorens, physical education teacher at Liberty North High School and mother of two, says. Hosting a mini Olympics is an excellent way to encourage children to be active. “It teaches teamwork, builds self esteem and prepares children for life, helps get them excited about games and promotes family bonding,” Sorens says.
Sorens shares the following ideas for a mini Olympics:
- Have a bowling tournament using soda bottles filled with water, kicking a soccer ball to knock over the soda bottles.
- Throw a ball or bean bag in a tin can or bucket, just like the shot put.
- With sidewalk chalk, make a hopscotch board and see who can go the fastest. Make multiple boards with different options.
- To imitate races, try galloping, skipping and running, with lengths marked with sidewalk chalk.
- Have a discus or javelin throwing contest with a package of paper plates as a discus or pool noodles/straws as a javelin.
Sarah Schneider, physical education teacher at South Valley Middle School and mother of two, agrees with Sorens and shares some additional ideas for a mini Olympics.
- Make up your own little games like a water balloon toss and sack races or typical field day-type games.
- Have a medal ceremony at the end of each game and keep a medal count.
- Have each person make up their own flag to fly at the medal ceremony.
Schneider’s daughter is a competitive gymnast, and “something we are doing this summer is going to the Gymnastics Visa Championships in St. Louis. That way we can see the gymnasts competing right before the Olympics,” Schneider says. “We figured it was a lot cheaper than going to London.”
Megan Dilonardo, a preschool teacher in Liberty and mother of two, shares a few craft ideas for little ones that could be modified for bigger kids. “We discuss the Olympic flag and make one out of yarn. We also make medals out of gold paper and/or cardboard with glitter and a red/white/blue ribbon,” Dilonardo says.
Jennifer Higgins is a freelance writer, teacher and mother from Kearney. She will be watching all Olympic games, but especially gymnastics and swimming.
Photo Credit: dutourdumonde / Shutterstock.com