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The 2012 Summer Olympic Games are a wonderful opportunity for young students to see, up close and personal, the results of hard work and determination. It’s also a great way to make a connection between games and school success.

Every young child understands that games have rules. Similarly, a large part of school success is knowing the rules and following them.  Simple rules—that everyone follows—make sense to a young child.

Equating school success to a “game” puts the perspective on a more personal level. Some lessons you can help your child draw from the current summer games include:

• It’s ok to fail! Most Olympic champions have failed many times as they’ve perfected their skills. They’ve “picked themselves up, dusted themselves off, and started all over again.”

• Be a contributing part of the “team.” Make an effort to work well with classmates and teachers.

• Practice, practice, practice until you get it right.

• Don’t quit, even when you are tired. 

• Be a humble and thankful winner.

• Be a smiling and gracious loser.

While there can only be one Olympic gold medal winner per event, all athletes—or young students—can take enormous, joyful pride in achieving a “personal best.”

Editor's note: Print our free Summer Olympics worksheets and coloring pages for your little champion to use!