Based on your filters 
The 2021 Summer Olympics are finally here, and families are tuning into Tokyo all over the globe. This opportunity only comes once every four years. Your child will be exposed to many valuable life lessons as they watch the Olympics. These include the importance of sportsmanship and teamwork, the value of cultural diversity, and the value of determination. Why not reinforce these lessons at the craft table and in the playroom? Wondrfly has scoured the internet for the best kids’ crafts and activities themed around the summer Olympics, and we are proud to present this extensive list.
How to Learn About the Olympics with Your Child
Choosing a theme to work your at-home lessons and activity time around can make learning twice as fun and engaging. The Olympics make an excellent theme for activities and crafts because they are topical, relevant, and incorporate a wide variety of events to draw inspiration from. Since kids learn in a variety of ways, we’ve included a variety of activities in this article, inspired by different iconic hallmarks of the Olympic experience!
Watching Events Together
Watching Olympic events with your child is an excellent bonding activity, as you will likely both learn something from watching the different countries compete in a multitude of diverse events. Learning together is a great way to form emotional bonds with your child. Pick an obscure sport to watch that neither of you have heard before! Or you could devote your watching time to learning how to correctly pronounce names from all over the world! The possibilities are endless.
Reading About The Olympics Together
If learning together supports your bond with your child, then reading together follows that same pattern. Your child looks to you to fuel their love of literacy, so why not try reading one of these Olympic-themed books to or with them? Check out I Can Teach My Child for a handy list of books featuring the Olympics!
For younger learners, try teaching the alphabet using an Olympic twist? This alphabet bead bracelet activity from No Time For Flashcards promotes good literacy and good sportsmanship all at once.
If you don’t happen to have alphabet beads lying around, use some breakfast cereal to complete this charming craft from I Can Teach My Child.
Trying New Sports and Activities
While some kids learn best by creating arts and crafts or reading, others need to get their bodies moving to get their brains active too! These activities will help you re-create Olympic track and field events at home, so your child can attempt new physical skills and set new motor goals! For example, teach your child how the Olympic javelin throw works, or watch the event with them, and then play at home with this easy setup by Toddler Approved.
Likewise, introduce your child to the lesser-known shotput event by designing a catapult at home with this guide from JDaniel4’s Mom. This craft is excellent because it not only has an active, outdoor component to get your kids moving a bit, but it also teaches the fundamentals of physics! To teach your child more about track and field events and STEM concepts at the same time, try these activities from View From A Stepstool.
Re-enact The Olympics with Your Child!
Dramatic play is one of the most important ways in which your child can grow emotionally, mentally, and physically. Not to mention, it’s a ton of fun too! What higher-stakes, more engaging situation could your child imagine than representing their country in the Olympics? If you have a backyard, transform it into an Olympic stadium, invite over some friends or family, and teach your child the importance of fair play and sportsmanship in a way that’s unique and fun! Check out these tips on how to do just that, from The Chaos and The Clutter. If you don’t have a yard, don’t despair! The Educator’s Spin on It has your back, with recommendations on how to jazz up your living room for a mock-Olympic spectacular!
Outrageous Olympic Crafts for You and Your Child
Arts and crafts engage creativity and growth, and the Olympics are chock full of iconic symbols you can recreate in a number of different ways.
Carry The Torch
The Olympic torch represents cooperation and teamwork. It is passed at the opening ceremony of the games from one country to another, to signal that country’s taking over a long-held tradition. Celebrate the value of teamwork by creating your own Olympic torch with these instructions from Rainy Day Mum.
Rings And Things
The Olympic rings are another important symbol of the cooperation between nations. Why not give an unconventional spin to the classic Olympic rings by wildcrafting natural materials? This craft from KC Edventures will foster your child’s appreciation for art and nature while keeping the Olympic theme going. Be sure to follow all necessary safety precautions while foraging!
If your family loves the Olympics so much you’re already counting down to next season, try doing so with Housing a Forest’s Olympic paper chain countdown!
Making Medals
Bronze, silver, and gold medals are, of course, a necessity, especially if you’ll be playing at-home Olympic games. Have your kids create their own awards with this how-to guide from Mum in The Madhouse. Their sense of achievement will be doubled by the fact that they made the medal they earn themselves!
Or, if your little one is more motivated by food than shiny things, try this delicious recipe for edible Olympic medals from Create Craft Love. Victory is sweet!
Perhaps the best way of all to engage your child in the ceremony and celebration of the Olympics is to encourage them to reach their fullest personal potential, like all the athletes they’ll see on TV. This doesn’t mean you have to push them to become an Olympic gymnast, but any new interests that come up while they’re watching should be encouraged. If you find your child is inspired by the Olympics, check out www.wondrfly.com to search for activities in your area that match their burgeoning interests!
Categories