Being Global Citizens (with the Olympics)

I still remember the Olympics (Atlanta, 1996) my family watched many of the events together—20 years later! I remember Kerri Strug vaulting and my whole family gasping. I remember holding my breath for every dismount. I remember the stories they told between events, and wondering why the competition with Russia was such a big deal. What memories do you want to leave with your kids?

Watching 200 countries come together gives an opportunity to learn about places and people you haven’t even heard of before. As missionaries, our children don’t have an option but to become global citizens and world travelers: but your children can have the same opportunities with intentional planning and teaching.

Five things I want my kids to learn from the Olympics:

1. Basic geography. As countries come up, using a globe or map to find places is a start. Here is a free printable pdf of a more indepth study of a country. 

2. Country flags. Flags are everywhere during the Olympics. Free printables and more free printables! Maybe calling out “Hey—first one who finds out what country that flag is gets ice cream!” Here is a free printable to keep track of "who is winning."

3. Personal stories. I am so excited about the first ever refugee team at this years’ Olympics! What are the other stories (David and Goliath type) will they televise? How can you use that to pray for people around the world? Hear are some free coloring pages for those with short attention spans. 

BONUS: Music--this is such a great way to learn! MUST HAVE the Animaniacs world song. Here is another fun world song. Music videos: these songs are from around the world, "Hello" in languages song, Flag song, and kids all over the world singing. 

4. What it means to be a “Global Citizen.” If the world were 100 people?

5. How THEY can make a difference in their small world, and in the whole world. Here are short videos explaining poverty to kids. Books about friendships around the world. Kid President awesomeness. This is just the beginning. How you prepare them to be world-changers? 

PS--for the overachievers who want to do an Olympic party. 

This is part 3 of 4; 

PART 1: Suggestions to Overcome the Controversy (of the Olympics)

PART 2: Learning about the Olympics