In 9 days, the 2012 London Olympics will begin. As nannies, this is a great opportunity to share with our charges, how hard work and determination can help make dreams come true. This also gives you a chance to plan your own Summer Olympics.
The Olympics is a great opportunity to talk about geography, cultures, sports and sportsmanship.
Here are some ideas to bring the Olympics to your house:
- Make sure you record the Opening Ceremonies (9pm EST Friday July 27) so that you and charges can discuss the different nations participating.
- Read over the Opening Ceremonies website to learn about the performers and other ceremonies during the games.
- Print out a world map, so that you can find the countries participating on a map. Also on the Olympic website it discusses each country that is participating , the country’s Olympic history as well as information on the athletes.
- Check out the interactive website for the Olympic mascots Wenlock and Mandeville. You can design your own mascot, play games, watch films and learn fun stuff. Print out your mascot and make a stick puppet with it.
- Check out the schedule and find out what events you want to follow, watch and research more about.
- Make sure you also make a Lantern for the 2012 Lantern Festival for the Paralympic Games
After you have explored the official 2012 London Olympic website, make sure you head over to I can teach my child website.
They have some incredibly fun looking activities for the Olympics for all ages from toddlers and up. I really love their Olympic Alphabet one. I will definitely be doing this with my nephew, Atticus, next week when I am visiting him.
Don’t forget to get their free ebook: Olympic Activities for Kids. There are two ways to get, either via their Facebook page or via email subscription. Many nannies have found this website helpful in discovering different things to do with their charges.
Let us know how you plan to celebrate the Olympics this summer with your charges or with friends.
by Alice Shaffer
Regarding Nannies Development Team Member