The Summer Olympics are finally here! With the start of the games comes the pure athleticism, heart, competitiveness, and sportsmanship that is only witnessed every four years. And while these characteristics are something that older children and adults alike can appreciate; toddlers are learning what these attributes mean. As such, what better time to introduce the little guys or gals to what it means to be an Olympic athlete by finding ways to get toddlers excited about the Olympics.
After being postponed for a year due to the coronavirus, the 2020 Tokyo Games have begun. For 16 days, people watch their televisions rooting for their country's athletes, hoping that they walk away with a medal. What is inspiring, however, is watching the team camaraderie and Olympians giving it their all to represent their countries in events they have spent years excelling in. And while the concept of how special the games are is not known to toddlers; it is easy to teach them why they are significant in terms they will understand.
Here are ways to get toddlers excited about the Olympics.
7 Create Toilet Paper Roll Olympic Rings
The most synonymous symbol of the Olympic games is the rings.
According to olympics.com, the founder of the Olympic Movement, Pierre de Coubertin designed the rings with their colors to represent the countries of the world along with all of the athletes.
"These five rings represent the five parts of the world now won over to the cause of olympism and ready to accept its fecund rivalries. What is more, the six colors thus combined reproduce those of all nations without exception," de Coubertin stated.
With the rings being such an important part of the history of the Olympics, it seems fitting to introduce toddlers to them first.
An easy way to do so is to create the rings with paint and a toilet paper roll. While toddlers may not be able to put the five rings in the order they are seen in, by introducing them to the colors and what the rings mean, toddlers will begin to understand how the Olympics brings everyone together.
6 Create An Olympic Torch
Another important symbol of the Olympics is the torch.
According to Olympic Torch Relay, the symbolism of the torch is to "bring the world together in harmony." It is also a symbol to connect the ancient games with the modern ones.
To help toddlers understand the meaning of the torch, creating one is a great way to do so.
The wonderful thing about creating a torch is that there is no wrong way to do so. Tissue paper and something to use as a handle is all that is needed to create the most rudimentary of torches.
As the torch is run in to light the Olympic flame, toddlers will pay close attention as they have their own in hand. And with the flame being shown consistently during the games, it is unlikely that the toddler will want to put his torch down.
5 Create Medals
Throughout the games, toddlers will begin to recognize that the top finishers in a sport will be given a medal. As such, why not create medals in gold, silver, and bronze for the little one to accessorize for the duration of the games?
All that is needed to create the medals is some construction paper, string, glue, and glitter.
If the toddler is proficient, have him cut out the circles for the medals to work on his motor skills. And while "dot, dot, not a lot" is a term the little one is likely used to hearing when it comes to glue, have him slather it on so that the glitter covers the entirety of the construction.
When dry, viola! Medals have been created any toddler would love to wear.
4 Schedule A Gymnastics Class
One of the most popular sports in the Summer Olympics in gymnastics, according to The Sports Archives Blog. And with its quick-moving events and the degree of difficulty that goes into every movement, it is not hard to see why.
Gymnastics is one of the sports that toddlers see on the small screen during the Olympics that they can be involved in now. As such, why not set them up with a class when the gymnastic events are set to air so that toddlers have a sport that they can relate to and be mesmerized by when watching the athletes fly through the air on their individual events.
3 Recreate Some Of The Track & Field Events
For toddlers who prefer to be outside and run around, recreate some of the events seen during track and field to get the little ones involved in the Olympic games.
Simple events that toddlers can participate in include running, long jump, hurdles, shot put, discus, and more. Of course, all events that require equipment should be of a size and weight that are toddler-appropriate but what better way to spend some time outside than by having fun with a future olympian?
2 Make Shirts To Watch The Games Together
To get the toddlers cheering for the athletes during the games, design shirts together with something that represents the Olympics.
Be it a design that shows pride in country or a symbol like the Olympic rings, there are a variety of things that can be added to a shirt to get toddlers excited about the Olympics. And because they helped to create it, do not be surprised if the little ones want to wear their shirt consistently during the games.
1 Bake Cookies Decorated With Olympic Rings
What toddler does not like to bake with their parents? As such, create some delicious cookies with a design that screams Olympics!
For the cookies, something simple like a sugar or butter cookie would make a good base because they work great for decorating.
Once the cookies have cooled, work with the toddler to create a symbol of the Olympics to create a decoration. Then, when the Olympics air that night, have the toddler present his kitchen creation and enjoy the games together.
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