Summer Olympics Lesson Ideas for Preschool

O is for the Olympics! Your homeschool preschool child will enjoy learning about these exciting games. Here are ideas to incorporate the Summer Olympics 2012 into your preschool curriculum, helping your child to learn and have fun.

Reading- Begin your Olympic learning journey with a wonderful book called
"Olympics!" (Picture Puffins) by B.G. Hennessy. This is geared for a child ages four and up, and it displays colorful and beautiful pictures. The language is easy to understand and this book is guaranteed to keep your preschooler interested. Be sure to discuss the story as you read, ensuring your child's comprehension and understanding of these traditional games.

Language Arts- Olympics starts with the letter O. This is a perfect lesson segway for learning or reviewing this round letter. Start your lesson by reading the book "Alpha Tales (Letter O: Olive the Octopus¹s Day of Juggling)" by Liza Charlesworth. Create a list of words that begin with the letter O. Encourage your child to write a few of the O words, and draw a picture of the objects as well.

Math- Who doesn't love Cheerios? Use these O-shaped treats as math manipulatives! Have you child show groups of two, four, etc. and discuss even numbers. Divide them up between the two of you to show how you both will get even amounts. Then group them in odd numbers, and try to split those groups out between you both. This shows a child in a hands on way that odd numbers will not be divided equally. You can also complete simple addition and subtraction problems using Cheerios as reinforcement manipulatives.
"Cheerios Count To 100" and "The Cheerios Play Book" are simple and fun math themed books that you can use as well. The animal themed Cheerios book is awesome, too!

Geography- It's time to put those map skills to use and help your preschooler find London, England. Discuss the areas of England and point out London, the exact location of the Summer Games 2012. Ask your child what they think the weather must be like in England, find out what it is, and compare it to the weather where you live. Explain how the location of the Olympics is important in terms of a summer sports venue.

Physical Education- Practice some of the Olympic sports with your preschooler, like swimming and gymnastics (with adult supervision, of course). Be sure to watch some of the Summer Olympics together, too, and discuss it as well!

However you choose to incorporate this time honored tradition into your preschool curriculum you are sure to enjoy learning right along with your child!