Ever since I was a child the Olympics have captivated me. I well up with emotion when I see the torch. I stand taller when I see our country's flag. I enjoy every story told of Olympians pursuing their dreams. With that said, you must know, I love the Olympics!So, today's the day! The 2010 Winter Olympics are about to begin.
Here are a few ideas to help your family have fun with the Olympics.
Choose a country. Every Olympics each member of our family chooses a country to adopt as our own. I print off flags, we color them and then track that country during the Olympic games. You can take this as far as you wish; reading books about the country, finding a missionary stationed there, eating ethnic foods, or finding it on a world map. During the Summer Olympics my daughter cheered on Germany, on a recent trip to Frankenmuth she was delighted to find the German flag and see yet another glimpse of their culture.
Keep a world map and book of flags nearby. My kids enjoy the challenge of finding the different countries and flags as they are highlighted throughout the Opening Ceremonies and competetion. Who knew learning could be such fun?
Get active! Take this time to try out some new winter sports; an afternoon ice skating, a trip to your favorite sledding hill, try out different positions and nickname them the different sports. For example, wearing your helmet go head first on your belly and pretend you are doing the skeleton, or pile multiple people in a longer sled and pretend you are doing the bobsled, for the luge lay flat on your back and push off with your hands. Practice balancing on a snowboard or pretend while the Olympians are making their runs. Have a Wii Fit? Try to break a new record for ski jump, skiing or snowboarding.
Watch the games! Be inspired by men and woman pursuing their dreams. Keep an eye out for athletes professing faith. Hear stories that will inspire and find teachable moments about overcoming defeat.
Do you and your family have any fun family traditions related to the Olympics? I would love to hear about them!
Enjoy the 2010 Winter Olympics!
~Sarah
Sarah,
ReplyDeleteGreat ideas. I have one to add. Meet a person from that country. Trinity is a great place to do just that! My kids were thrilled one year to watch the Olympics and cheer for their new friends' countries.
Donna
Thank you, Sarah! Your post was such a blessing to me. I'm a mom who doesn't naturally come up with the types of ideas you just shared. What a great way to take a "normal" experience and make it into something special and memorable for my kids! (Plus, you've given me the incentive I need to take out of the box, the Wii Fit that I got for my birthday a couple of weeks!)
ReplyDeleteI agree, Marilyn. I don't naturally come up with those ideas, either. "We're better together." Here's to sharing great ideas! *grin*
ReplyDelete~Karen
Donna- I love that idea! Do you know if we have anyone from Switerland, Norway or Austria?
ReplyDeleteMarilyn- You're welcome. Enjoy the Wii Fit, I know my family has.
Karen- I totally agree. Definitely better together!
I looked into Cross Country Skiing and both Lake Lansing and Birchfield Parks have miles of trails and equipment rental; go during the week and it is less than $5 a person. Includes skis, boots and poles. On Friday nights then have a moonlight ski, with trails lit by candles.
Oh, I love the idea of Cross Country Skiing. That would be a fun thing to do. Thanks for the tip!
ReplyDelete