Language Arts
From birth to death, humans use language as a defining feature of culture and personal identity. They use this
interrelated and rule-governed system of sounds and symbols to form relationships, explain and extend experiences, reflect on thoughts and actions and contribute to society. The
Olympic Games bring together athletes and visitors who speak many different languages from around the world. The Language Arts provide students the understanding that
relationships can be forged regardless of cultural or linguistic backgrounds. Kindergarten & First Grades: Olympic Flag
Students learn about the flags of nations, the
flag of the Olympic Games, and the symbolism of their designs. Students create their own flags.
Go to Kindergarten & First Grades Lesson Plan...
Second Grade: The Fire Within
Students learn about the tradition of the Olympic flame. Students also learn about goals and how achieving goals can light the flame
within them to strive to be their best.
Go to Second Grade Lesson Plan... Third Grade:
Rules of the Games
Learning to obey rules is important in life. Students participate in activities and discuss the importance of being fair and obeying rules.
Go to Third Grade Lesson Plan... Fourth Grade: Expressions of Diversity
Students discuss the
concept of diversity by studying flags of nations and the symbols and colors used. Students also compare and contrast different traditions, cultures and beliefs of people and
nations.
Go to Fourth Grade Lesson Plan... Fifth Grade: The Modern Olympic Games
Students
and teachers consider the importance of rules and sportsmanship and then create new rules for a creative Olympic event.
Go to Fifth Grade Lesson Plan... Sixth Grade: Heroes
Students consider the qualities and
characteristics of modern day heroes and heroines. They research the background of the ancient Olympics to learn about athletes who exemplify heroic qualities such as commitment
and determination. Students also use a variety of process skills to identify heroes and heroines in their own lives and to explore the traits and qualities that they
personally hope to develop.
Go to Sixth Grade Lesson Plan... Seventh, Eighth & Ninth Grades:
Finding Your Best Self
Huckleberry Finn, the novel by Mark Twain, was written to convey a message about the search for identity in adolescence. Readers will find a
corollary between the self-exploration and reaching for one's best identity found in Huckleberry Finn
and the reaching an athlete does when searching for the best that is within him or her.
Go to Seventh, Eighth & Ninth Grades Lesson Plan, Finding Your Best Self...
Seventh, Eighth & Ninth Grades: The Runner in You
The Runner, by Cynthia Voigt, was written to convey a message about the search for identity and independence
in adolescence. Readers will find a corollary between the kind of self-exploration and reaching for one's best identity found in The Runner
and the reaching an Olympic athlete does when searching for the best that is within him or her. Students read and participate in activities based on the book, The Runner.
Go to Seventh, Eighth & Ninth Grades Lesson Plan, The Runner in You...
Tenth, Eleventh & Twelfth Grades: Emerging Roles
Today, students struggle with the need to be individuals, as well as the societal imperative to be a part of their
community. Students' identities may be emerging and fragile, and the adolescent impulse is to protect it. Society, on the other hand, wants conformity. A similar struggle
occurs in the Olympic arena. Athletes convey their ability to be individual competitors and be a part of a larger team of athletes that represents a nation and its people. The
activities in this unit are selected to explore this transitional time and to give students opportunities to discuss their need for individuality and their resistance to
conformity. Students read and respond to A Tale of Two Cities. Students also participate in before, during, and after activities designed to enhance their comprehension
and interpretation of the novel.
Go to Tenth, Eleventh & Twelfth Grades Lesson Plan, Emerging Roles...
Tenth, Eleventh & Twelfth Grades: Reaching Your Best Self
"The Pin" is a short story that is part of a collection titled Athletic Shorts, by Chris
Crutcher, these stories are about the search for identity and independence in adolescence. Readers will find a corollary between the kind of reaching for independence found in
"The Pin", and the reaching an athlete does when searching for the best that is within him or her.
Go to Tenth, Eleventh & Twelfth Grades Lesson Plan, Reaching Your Best Self... |
