Speed Read (tl;dr) of Olympics Ideas and Learning Activities for Schools
Purpose of Olympics: The Olympics serve as a global platform to showcase diverse models of excellence and inspire through stories of perseverance and triumph, despite challenges. Use this the excitement of the Olympics with ideas and activities for schools.
Integration in Education: Shani Dowell emphasizes year-round integration of Olympic spirit in schools, focusing on role models, social-emotional learning, academic exploration, and global understanding.
Educational Strategies: Practical ways to incorporate the Olympics into education include discovering role models, studying character traits in action, integrating academic learning, and promoting global awareness through cultural studies and celebrations.
Read below for resources, tips, and the why!
Raise your hand if you love the Olympics! Yes, there are actually reasons to not: complicated politics and other things – which is the case for most things involving humans. That said, I love the Olympics because they set a global stage to highlight a diversity of awesome models, global citizenship, perseverance, every social-emotional and character skill imaginable, feats of humanity, and endless moments of devastation and triumph at the highest level.
Possip Founder and CEO, Shani Dowell, shares ways to meaningfully integrate the excitement and inspiration of the spirit of the Olympics throughout the school year.
The Olympics only happen three or four times for most students during their K-12 experience. While they are in the summer this year, you can take advantage of the athletes’ journeys year-round. Here are ideas to explore the power of the Olympics in school.
Ideas to Tap into the Olympics in Schools
Olympics in Schools: Discover Role Models
Role models powerfully cast a future vision for students.
They can provide inspiration and motivation, guidance and learning, a sense of identity, and confidence. All people – especially kids – can definitely benefit from this. Here are three ideas to discover Olympic role models for schools.
- Use ChatGPT or your favorite tool to get a list of role models. Here, ChatGPT can be your friend. You can ask it to give you a list of Olympians from your state, a specific country, or a specific sport – and it can likely deliver. Check out some of the questions we asked and what Chat GPT delivered:
- Study the Olympians from your state. While the graphic below is still in progress, this was from Team USA’s Instagram. Depending on what subject, or the student demographics you teach, there are so many directions to go from here.
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- Highlight Olympians’ personal stories. Many Olympians have overcome significant challenges to achieve their dreams. Sharing their stories can inspire students to persevere through their own difficulties.
Olympics in Schools: Examine Social, Emotional, and Character Strength in Action
- Identify Olympians who meet the character or SEL traits you’re teaching: See information about Olympians above.
- SEL Journey Maps: Have students create posters about Olympians’ journeys or even invite local Olympians to speak at your school.
- Create a classroom or school-wide Olympic event. Organize mini-Olympics where students can participate in various sports (or academic or character) activities. This could include traditional track and field events, adapted versions of Olympic sports, or even academic competitions modeled after Olympic events. No matter whether you choose academic or athletics, choose character traits (overcoming adversity, cheering others on, mental focus) to celebrate.
- Art projects inspired by the Olympics. Have students create art pieces that reflect the spirit of the Olympics. This could include designing their own Olympic posters, making sculptures of famous Olympians, or creating a mural that represents unity and sportsmanship.
- Community service projects. Encourage students to embody the Olympic spirit by participating in community service projects. This could be anything from organizing a charity run to collecting sports equipment for kids or organizations that need it.
- Olympic-themed assemblies. Organize assemblies where students learn about the Olympics through guest speakers, videos, and performances. This can be a great way to kick off or wrap up a school-wide Olympic celebration.
- Create a school-wide Olympic mural. Collaborate on a mural celebrating the Olympic values of excellence, friendship, and respect. Each class can contribute a section, making it a community project that promotes unity and teamwork.
- Start an Olympic club. Create a club where students particularly interested in the Olympics can meet regularly to discuss events, plan activities, and share their enthusiasm for the Games. This can be a great way to build a community around a shared interest.
- Use the Olympics to teach goal-setting. Discuss how Olympians set and achieve their goals and use this as a framework for students to set their own academic, athletic, or personal goals. This can be tied into lessons on growth mindset and self-improvement.
Explore Academic and Curricular Learning Ideas from Olympic Events
- Explore the history of the Olympics: Have students research the Olympic Games’ origins, the events’ evolution, and notable historical moments. This can be integrated into history or social studies lessons. Students could create timelines, write reports, or present their findings.
- Graphing! You can have students graph the number of athletes by sport. You can have students research the athletes and compare and contrast the experiences of two different athletes or two different sports. You can have students choose a sport and write about themselves working to compete as an athlete in that sport!
- Letter Writing! Have students write letters to Olympians they admire.
- Study the science behind the sports. Integrate STEM education by exploring the physics of different Olympic sports. How does gravity affect a gymnast’s performance? What role does aerodynamics play in cycling? Students can conduct experiments, build models, and present their findings.
- Olympic-themed reading lists. Compile a list of books about the Olympics, sportsmanship, and athletes. These can be used for independent reading, book reports, or class discussions. Include both fiction and non-fiction to appeal to a range of interests.
- Integrate the Olympics into PE. Create a unit based on Olympic sports, allowing students to try their hand at archery, gymnastics, or track and field events. This can be a great way to promote physical fitness and introduce students to new sports.
- Host an Olympic trivia contest. Test students’ knowledge about the Olympics with a trivia contest. Questions can cover various topics, including Olympic history, famous athletes, and records. This can be a fun and engaging way to learn about the Games.
- Explore the role of technology in the Olympics. Investigate how technology has changed how we watch and participate in the Olympics. Students can research advancements in sports equipment, broadcasting, and athlete training.
- Create Olympic-themed writing prompts. Encourage students to write essays, stories, or poems inspired by the Olympics. Prompts could include imagining themselves as an Olympic athlete, writing a letter to their favorite Olympian, or describing what the Olympic values mean to them.
Olympics in Schools: Emphasize Global/International Understanding
- Language and cultural studies. Use the Olympics as a springboard to study the languages and cultures of participating countries. Students can learn basic phrases, explore cultural traditions, and even sample foods from different nations. This can be a fun and educational way to promote global awareness.
- Olympic athletes and the countries they represent. This can be tied into lessons on geography, culture, and diversity. Students can create projects celebrating the different nations and their contributions to the Olympics.
- Celebrate with an Olympic-themed party. Wrap up your Olympic activities with a celebration that includes games, food, and decorations inspired by the Olympics. This can be a fun way to bring the community together and celebrate your students’ hard work and achievements.
- Celebrate diversity through the Olympics. Highlight the diverse backgrounds of the Olympic contestants.
- Host a film festival. Show movies and documentaries about the Olympics and famous athletes. This can be a fun way to learn more about the Games and be inspired by the stories of determination and triumph.
What ChatGPT Generated on Olympic Contestants
10 Inspiring Olympians and Why They Are Inspiring, Olympics in Schools (AI Generated)
Jesse Owens (USA, Track and Field):
Why Inspiring: Owens won four gold medals at the 1936 Berlin Olympics, challenging Adolf Hitler’s notion of Aryan supremacy. He showcased incredible talent and perseverance in the face of racial discrimination.
Wilma Rudolph (USA, Track and Field):
Why Inspiring: Overcoming polio as a child, Rudolph became the first American woman to win three gold medals in track and field at a single Olympics (1960). She demonstrates resilience and determination.
Michael Phelps (USA, Swimming):
Why Inspiring: The most decorated Olympian of all time with 23 gold medals. Phelps has demonstrated extraordinary dedication, discipline, and mental strength throughout his career.
Usain Bolt (Jamaica, Track and Field):
Why Inspiring: Known as the fastest man in the world. Bolt’s charisma, sportsmanship, and record-breaking performances have inspired millions to pursue their dreams with confidence and joy.
Nadia Comăneci (Romania, Gymnastics):
Why Inspiring: At the age of 14, Comăneci scored the first perfect 10 in Olympic gymnastics history (1976). She showed that age and size do not limit one’s potential for greatness.
Simone Biles (USA, Gymnastics):
Why Inspiring: Despite facing numerous personal challenges, Biles has become one of the greatest gymnasts of all time. She advocates for mental health and shows resilience.
Muhammad Ali (USA, Boxing):
Why Inspiring: Winning gold in the 1960 Rome Olympics, Ali went on to become a global icon for his boxing prowess. He always displayed his unwavering commitment to civil rights and humanitarian efforts.
Dame Valerie Adams (New Zealand, Shot Put):
Why Inspiring: As a four-time Olympian and double gold medalist, Adams has been a dominant force in shot put. She overcame injuries and personal loss while advocating for women’s sports.
Abebe Bikila (Ethiopia, Marathon):
Why Inspiring: Bikila won the 1960 Olympic marathon running barefoot, becoming the first African to win a gold medal. He inspired future generations of African athletes.
Tatyana McFadden (USA, Paralympic Track and Field):
Why Inspiring: Born with spina bifida and adopted from a Russian orphanage, McFadden has won numerous Paralympic medals. She has been a tireless advocate for disability rights and inclusion in sports.
2020 and Beyond: 10 Inspiring Olympians (AI Generated)
Simone Biles (USA, Gymnastics):
Why Inspiring: Despite facing immense pressure, Biles prioritized her mental health at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics. She sparked a global conversation about the importance of mental well-being in sports.
Eliud Kipchoge (Kenya, Marathon):
Why Inspiring: Kipchoge won the marathon at Tokyo 2020. This reaffirmed his status as one of the greatest Olympic marathon runners ever. He demonstrates incredible endurance and discipline.
Caeleb Dressel (USA, Swimming):
Why Inspiring: Dressel won five gold medals at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics. He showcased exceptional speed, skill, and sportsmanship in the pool.
Neeraj Chopra (India, Javelin):
Why Inspiring: Chopra won India’s first-ever Olympic gold medal in athletics at Tokyo 2020. He inspired a nation and highlighting the potential of Indian athletes on the global stage.
Emma McKeon (Australia, Swimming):
Why Inspiring: McKeon won seven medals (four gold and three bronze) at Tokyo 2020, making her one of the most decorated female Olympians in a single Games. She exemplifies dedication and perseverance.
Sifan Hassan (Netherlands, Track and Field):
Why Inspiring: Hassan won gold in the 5000m and 10,000m and bronze in the 1500m at Tokyo 2020. She demonstrated extraordinary versatility, resilience, and determination.
Sky Brown (Great Britain, Skateboarding):
Why Inspiring: At just 13 years old, Brown won a bronze medal in skateboarding at Tokyo 2020. She became Great Britain’s youngest ever Olympic medalist and inspiring young athletes worldwide.
Hidilyn Diaz (Philippines, Weightlifting):
Why Inspiring: Diaz won the Philippines’ first-ever Olympic gold medal at Tokyo 2020. She overcame financial and logistical challenges to achieve her dream and inspiring her nation.
Tom Daley (Great Britain, Diving):
Why Inspiring: Daley won his first Olympic gold in synchronized diving at Tokyo 2020, after competing in his fourth Olympics. He has been an advocate for LGBTQ+ rights, inspiring many with his journey.
Mutaz Essa Barshim (Qatar, High Jump):
Why Inspiring: Barshim shared the gold medal in the high jump with Gianmarco Tamberi of Italy at Tokyo 2020. He exemplifies the Olympic spirit of friendship, sportsmanship, and mutual respect.
Olympics in Schools: 10 Americans to Root for in the 2024 Olympics and Why (AI Generated)
Simone Biles (Gymnastics):
Why Root For: Returning after her courageous decision to prioritize mental health in 2020, Biles is aiming to add to her already legendary career. She embodies resilience and strength.
Caeleb Dressel (Swimming):
Why Root For: Following his dominant performance in Tokyo with five gold medals, Dressel is expected to continue his remarkable streak in the pool. He showcases speed and determination.
Katie Ledecky (Swimming):
Why Root For: A multiple-time Olympic gold medalist, Ledecky remains a dominant force in distance swimming. She continues to inspire with her incredible work ethic and consistency.
Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone (Track and Field):
Why Root For: After breaking world records in the 400m hurdles, McLaughlin-Levrone is a favorite to continue her streak of excellence. She represents the pinnacle of athletic achievement and dedication.
Noah Lyles (Track and Field):
Why Root For: A standout sprinter, Lyles aims to build on his success in the 200m and possibly the 100m. She brings charisma and a winning attitude to the Olympic track.
Simone Manuel (Swimming):
Why Root For: As a trailblazer in American swimming, Manuel has broken barriers and is looking to return to top form in 2024. She inspires with her perseverance and advocacy for diversity in sports.
Sha’Carri Richardson (Track and Field):
Why Root For: Known for her speed and vibrant personality, Richardson is determined to make a strong comeback and shine on the world stage. She embodies resilience and spirit.
Erriyon Knighton (Track and Field):
Why Root For: As one of the youngest and fastest sprinters in the world, Knighton is poised to make a significant impact in the 200m. He symbolizes the future of American sprinting.
Maggie Steffens (Water Polo):
Why Root For: As the captain of the dominant U.S. women’s water polo team, Steffens leads with experience and skill. She is aiming for another gold medal to add to her illustrious career.
Suni Lee (Gymnastics):
Why Root For: The reigning all-around champion from Tokyo 2020, Lee continues to captivate audiences with her talent and grace. She aims to defend her title and inspire with her journey.
We love the Olympic Spirit! Do you have more ideas to explore the Olympics in schools? Send us your ideas at hello@possip.com!
