Connecting the world—the Olympic Day at the daycare


The 2024 Olympics in Paris is the most highlighted and cheerful event this year. To bring our little friends to “participate” in these glorified sports games, an Olympics theme week and Special Day has been set on their school calendar. 


Introduction to the Olympics


We opened the Olympics week by introducing the history of the Olympics and the sports played in this event. The main focus was on the colors and the meanings of the rings. We also talked about the cities that have held the Olympics, emphasizing  the hosting city, Pairs, this year. I showed the little ones where Pairs is on the globe and reviewed the continents and countries learned last year. I also drew some of the pictograms  and had the little ones to guess what sports it is, even having them imitate the pictograms, which led to much fun. 


Preparing for Olympics Day


Then, in the next few days, we had been “preparing” for the Olympics Day by trying out various sports with creative pros and equipment/ For example, teachers made “racquets” with paper plates and popsicle sticks to play badminton. For the hurdles, long jump and shot put, some flooring mats and balance beams are used for practice. Surely, the obstacle course cannot be missed. All of these activities are not just for fun but also to promote the little ones’  gross motor skills. 


Summer, winter Olympics and Paralympics


We also extended the content to summer and winter Olympics by playing sorting games. All of the little ones eagerly participated in the discussion about their favorite sport or the games they have watched with their family. Paralympics is introduced as well. It is truly important to educate the young minds that sports should be inclusive but not be limited by physical disabilities. 


The Olympic Day


The last day of the week is the most exciting part of the theme—the Olympic Day. We try to be as creative as possible to set up “stations’ and “challenges” for the little ones. The obstacle courses were arranged with various equipment. Some cute chalking drawings on the ground marked the spots for long jump and shot. Some rings and cones were used for tossing and soccer games. For “hockey,” pool noodles and a ball were served as sticks and puck or as the “hurdles” for them to crawl underneath. 


All of the little ones had a wonderful time full with smiles and laughter. That's the Olympic spirit!





 


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