The 2012 Summer Olympic Games are officially underway in London, England. After a night of pomp, circumstance, and psychedelic performances during the Opening Ceremony, the world’s top athletes are getting down to business.
The Olympic Games are the ideal vehicle to teach kids about good sportsmanship, dedication and a host of other principles that will serve them well in life beyond the playing field. For example, as you and your kids tune in tonight to watch swimming superstar Michael Phelps face off against rival Ryan Lochte in the 400 individual medley, use the opportunity to discuss the power of dedication, perseverance and drive. Like the athletes, it’s important for children to realize that hard work is required to excel in life. What’s more, Olympic athletes illustrate to kids the benefits of persistence. Winners don’t back down or throw in the towel when things don’t go their way; rather, they are driven by a desire to do their best regardless of the obstacles they may encounter along the way.
To further get into the Olympic spirit, consider making these fun crafts with your kids:
Painted Olympic Rings
Materials:
5 cardboard tubes (you could use empty paper towel or toilet paper rolls)
Red, green, black, yellow and blue paint
Glue
Directions:
Paint each tube a different color.
Allow to dry completely.
Cut the tubes into 5 small rings.
Take a ring from each color, and then glue them together to form the Olympic Rings.
Fuzzy Olympic Rings
Materials:
Pipe cleaners in red, green, black, yellow and blue
Sheet of white paper
Glue
Directions:
Form a circle with the blue pipe cleaner.
Twist the ends together.
Thread the yellow pipe cleaner through the blue ring and twist the ends together.
Repeat with the black, green and red, and then link them to the last ring.
Glue the rings to a piece of white paper.
Place a heavy book or other heavy object on the rings while the glue dries to stop them bending off the paper.
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