Children's Activities - Olympics

Sometimes an idea spurs us on to more creativity, but at other times directions are essential.  Almost any activity can be scaled up or down for age-appropriateness or numbers of youths.

Note: I could not load this video from the NBC site or the Toy Portfolio site; however, the ideas of using maps to research (online) Olympians’ countries, books (often free at libraries), history of the Olympic games, fractions, and other educational topics don’t need a video.  Below is a link to ToyPortfolio—not to endorse sales—to show more ideas we can adapt.

“Keep Kids Active This Summer with Olympic Fun”

Olympics Activities for Kids - Fractions, Reading, Geography

http://video.today.msnbc.msn.com/today/47808181#47796973  ret. 6-16-12

"London 2012 Olympics:  How to Engage Your Kids"  

Geography and books, magazines, internet, aps, etc.

http://www.toyportfolio.com/SingleStory.php?StoryID=216   ret. 7-18-12

“Young readers get in Olympic spirit” (Al Roker’s youth book club)

Mystery set in Olympics venue; heroine is the Olympian in the book Rush for the Gold

http://video.today.msnbc.msn.com/today/47808181#48224817  ret. 7-18-12

Activity Village’s "Hold Your Own Olympic Games"

Activity Village is a useful website for parents, (mentors), and teachers all year.  This link includes mascots, indoor and outdoor activities, and Olympic food—all with a suggested time table.  ‘User-friendly indeed! 

In addition, Activity Village features a MATH activity section by grade level.  Youths and parents will love this.  Website buttons run the gamut from jokes, videos, crafts, seasons, printables, puzzles, and education to much more.

http://www.activityvillage.co.uk/hold_your_own_olympic_games.htm

Parenting.com not only has activities but also feel-good articles and interviews with Olympians and/or family, e.g., the first pregnant Olympian from Malaysia, interview with Debbie Phelps, advice from Olympian parents, and others.  http://www.parenting.com/find/olympics

One general summer activity list includes 191 fun summer activities.

http://www.parenting.com/101-things-do-summer?cid=searchresult

ehow mom has many pages about Olympic activities, and some of the ideas are found via the resources and references at the bottom of each article.  A few examples:

"Summer Olympics Games for Kids"

Throwing, Running, Getting to the Finish Line, Water Sports

http://www.ehow.com/list_6324833_summer-olympic-games-kids.html

"Olympic Kids Games and Activities"

Balloon Between the Knee Race, Birdie Feather Race, Discus Throw, Egg-A-Thon Race/Relay, Hammer Throw, Javelin Throw, Olympic Ring Hoop Loop, 100-Inch Dash, Shot-Put for Distance, Snowball Ring Toss

http://www.ehow.com/list_6657408_olympic-kid-games-activities.html

"Olympic Activities for Kids"

Egg and Spoon Relay Race, Discus Throw Competition, Suitcase Relay Race, and Water Balloon Toss

http://www.ehow.com/list_6728440_olympic-activities-kids.html Print this article

"Kids Olympics Indoor Activities"

Includes making a ceremonial torch and Olympic medals

http://www.ehow.com/info_8030238_kids-olympic-indoor-activities.html