The Summer Games are more than just a global sports event—they’re a treasure trove of life lessons wrapped in a fun package! As the world gears up for the Summer Games 2024, here are 5 questions and activities for kids to learn about community, teamwork, and sportsmanship! 

5 Summer Games questions and activities for kids

1. Building global citizenship (Ages 5-8)

Think of the Summer Games as the world’s biggest meet-and-greet, where everyone’s invited! 

Get the conversation rolling with your little ones by asking:

• Conversation starter: “Being a friend to everyone on Earth, even if they live far away, is part of being a global citizen. What do you think you can do to be a good friend to people around the world?”
• Activity: Watch the games together and chat about how athletes from all corners of the Earth show respect and friendship. While watching, look for gymnasts from different countries congratulating each other after their routines, or swimmers sharing a friendly wave after a race. It’s like a global high-five!

2. Learning values and ethics (Ages 2-4 & 5-8)

The values for the Summer Games aren’t just fancy words—they’re the real MVPs of character building. 

To start a conversation about values and ethics, try this:

• Conversation starter (Ages 2-4): “Imagine we’re all sharing a big box of Legos to build a tower. How can we make sure everyone gets to use the fun pieces and has a turn building?”
• Conversation starter (Ages 5-8): “Imagine we’re playing a racing game together. What are some rules we can follow to make sure everyone has a fair chance and feels good about playing?”
• Activity: Relive some exciting moments from past Olympics where fairness (or the lack of it) was a key factor. Talk about sportsmanship with your child, like runners staying in their lanes during a track race or high jumpers congratulating each other on successful attempts.

3. Inspiration and motivation (Ages 2-4 & 5-8)

Every professional athlete’s journey is like a blockbuster movie filled with ups and downs. 

Spark some starry-eyed admiration by asking:

• Conversation starter (Ages 2-4): “Imagine you’re kicking a big red ball all the way across the park! What’s the hardest part about getting it there? What if the ball rolls away? How can you get it back?”
• Conversation starter (Ages 5-8): “Think about your favorite sport. Maybe it’s kicking a soccer ball or swimming in the pool. What’s one skill you’re working on to get better at it? For example, are you practicing dribbling the ball in soccer or blowing bubbles underwater while swimming? Even the best athletes face challenges during training and competition. How do you think they deal with these tough moments?”
• Activity: Pick an athlete (a gymnast, swimmer, or runner) and explore their story together. Look at pictures or read a short biography and discuss the dedication and perseverance it takes to reach the Olympics.

4. Promoting inclusivity and accessibility (Ages 2-4 & 5-8)

The Paralympics shine a spotlight on superhuman efforts in sports, making it a perfect lesson in inclusivity. 

Kickstart a heartwarming dialogue with:

• Conversation starter (Ages 2-4): “Imagine we’re all at a big park with lots of different swings. Some swings are high, some are low, and some are for grown-ups! How can we make sure everyone gets to swing and have fun together?”
• Conversation starter (Ages 5-8): “The Paralympics celebrate athletes with all different abilities. How can we make sure everyone feels welcome and included in sports and games?”
• Activity: Tune into the Paralympic games and discuss how these athletes inspire others. Watch how athletes with different abilities compete in sports like wheelchair basketball or swimming.

5. Enhancing community and teamwork (Ages 5-8)

The Summer Games are all about team spirit and shared cheers. 

Encourage your kids to see the power of teamwork with:

• Conversation starter: “Imagine we’re building the biggest sandcastle on the beach ever! But we can’t do it alone. How can we work together as a team to make the coolest sandcastle and have the most fun? Maybe someone can collect shells and pebbles for decorations, another person can be in charge of molding the sand, and someone else can bring buckets of water to keep it all together. Teamwork makes the dream sandcastle work!” (You can then discuss how sports like relay races or synchronized swimming require teamwork to succeed.)
• Activity: Rally the family for some Summer Games-style activities at home! Organize relay races, obstacle courses, or backyard soccer games. Participate in local sports events or volunteer at a community sporting activity.

By the time the torch is extinguished, these conversations and activities can help turn your living room into a mini Summer Games, full of lessons on life and laughter. Let the games begin, and may the best family win a bouquet of new skills and smiles!

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