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!
