physical education olympic activities

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By: Shelley Frost

Published: 31 October, 2018

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Olympic Games for Physical Education

The Olympics theme fits well into the physical education curriculum at any grade level. The kids participate in activities that simulate actual events in either the Summer or Winter Olympics. The theme is ideal during an actual Olympics year, but you can use it anytime to add variety to gym class.

Torch Relay

The Olympic torch is a symbol of the Games. This PE game incorporates the torch in a relay race. Create your own Olympic torch using a paper towel roll as the handle, a cup as the top and paper flames. You'll need a torch for each team. Set up the team members around the gym at equal intervals. The kids run their section of the race and then pass the torch to the next team member. The first team to complete all legs of the relay wins.

Gym scooters create the bobsleds for an indoor version of the Winter Olympics sport. The first person on each bobsled sits on a scooter with his legs crossed. The second team member sits on a separate scooter behind the first person. He wraps his legs around the first team member. Together they move the bobsled with their hands down the gym. The first team to reach the opposite end wins. You can also assign a pusher who moves the bobsled down the gym.

The Summer Olympics gymnastic competitions work well in PE class. The specific routines you choose depend on the available equipment and skills of the students. A simple walk across a balance beam is an option. You can also have the kids perform small hops of other moves on the balance beam. A floor routine is another option. If the kids know some tumbling moves, they can incorporate them into the routine.

A skating competition in the gym is another game. No skates are required for this event. Towels or socks under the feet help the kids slide around as if they were skating. Speed skating laps around the gym is one option. Divide the kids into heats so there aren't too many children skating at once. Another option is a figure skating competition where the kids put on a routine to music either individually or in pairs. Routines of about 30 seconds to a minute are ideal.

• Learn NC: Winter Olympics: What a Blast!
• PE Central: Wacky Olympics

Based in the Midwest, Shelley Frost has been writing parenting and education articles since 2007. Her experience comes from teaching, tutoring and managing educational after school programs. Frost worked in insurance and software testing before becoming a writer. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in elementary education with a reading endorsement.

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35 Creative Olympic Games and Activities for Students

March 21, 2023 //  by  Seda Unlucay

The Olympic Games are an inspiring celebration of unity, tolerance, peace, and athleticism. This collection of creative lessons, hands-on crafts, fun games, physical challenges, and edible treats are sure to get kids excited about this important international multi-sport event.

1. Counting Medals Activity

This collection of free printable activities is a hands-on way to teach basic numeracy skills using simple manipulatives such as small gems and metal tongs.

Age group: Preschool, Elementary

Learn More: Living Montessori Now

2. Map the Olympics with Country Flags

This cross-curricular geography and history lesson challenges students to map all the countries where the Olympics have been held to date.

Age Group: Elementary

Learn More: Teach Beside Me

3. Read and Complete Classroom Activities for G is For Gold Medal

G is For Gold Medal shares some fascinating facts about the Olympic games including the meaning behind the iconic interlocking rings symbol. This accompanying collection of activities features comprehension questions and puzzles to reinforce student learning.

Learn More: Teaching Books

4. Make an Olympic Torch

The Olympic torch relay is a key feature of the opening and closing ceremonies and a symbol of peace, tolerance, and hope. This colorful craft is a perfect opportunity to teach children all about the significance of this meaningful symbol.

Age Group: Preschool, Elementary

Learn More: The Spruce Crafts

5. Graph the Olympic Rings

Why not combine math and art with this colorful graphing project ? This free resource includes a handy coordinates list to make your job super easy.

6. Make an Olympic Wreath Crown

This is sure to become one of your favorite crafts lessons! Requiring only a few real or artificial vines, these crowns are easy to make and a wonderful way to honor the Greek origins of the Olympic games.

Learn More: Mama Smiles

7. Olympic Bracelets 

The Olympics are the perfect excuse to craft some colorful origami bracelets while creating a class discussion opportunity to learn about the symbolism behind the five rings and colors of the Olympic flag.

Learn More: Crayon Box Chronicles

8. Create an Olympic Passport

This printable passport features a wide variety of written activities including identifying the flags of students’ home countries.

Learn More: JDaniel4’s Mom

9. Sing an Olympics Song About Students’ Favourite Sports 

This catchy and customizable song is a great way to get kids singing about their favorite sports while teaching them key adjectives to describe athletic abilities.

Learn More: Super Simple

10. Host an Olympic Themed Party

The Olympics are the perfect time to organize a fun athletic celebration. Why not make a whole school day of it by including a variety of competitive sports and field events to test students’ athletic skills?

Age Group: Preschool, Elementary, Middle School, Highschool

Learn More: Living Well Spending Less

11. Watch a Brainpop Video

This awesome resource features an animated educational video and extension quizzes, maps, and games to teach kids all about the history and traditions of the Olympic Games. Having a class-wide discussion about their learning can make for a great wrap-up activity.

Learn More: BrainPOP

12.  Try a Craft Paint Idea

All you need to bring this awesome idea to life are cardboard tubes, a canvas, and some paint. Why not make a collection of posters to hang up around the classroom?

Learn More: Happy Hooligans

13. Try a Fine Motor Painting Activity

Who knew wooden pegs could turn into adorable bob sledders, skiers, and figure skaters? This hands-on activity is also a great way to develop fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination.

Age Group: Preschool

Learn More: Stir The Wonder

14. Try a Literacy-Based Hockey Game 

This hands-on activity is a terrific way to practice alphabet sounds and letter recognition while having lots of fun on the ice!

Learn More: Get Down And Get Your Hands Dirty

15. Play an Olympic Torch Game

This clever take on the Olympic torch relay uses a beach ball to bring the excitement of the cauldron lighting ceremony to life.

Learn More: Teach Mama

16. Try a Creative Olympics Craft

Fruit loops cereal and glue combine to create this colorful craft designed to teach alphabet letters .

Learn More: I Can Teach My Child

17. Make an Educational Olympic Chain

This vibrant chain featuring fascinating facts can be used to count down to the Olympic games.

Learn More: Housing A Forest

18. Learn With Math and Literacy Centers 

This Winter games-themed activity package is designed to help develop literacy skills such as handwriting and vocabulary word recognition as well as math skills including counting, comparing, and adding numbers.

Learn More: Teachers Pay Teachers

19. Try a Skiing-Themed Letter Matching Activity

This clever activity can be adapted to the age of your learner. Preschoolers may enjoy matching colors while older students can try matching uppercase and lowercase letters.

20. Try a Lego Color Sorting Activity

Lego and the Olympic games make a winning combination in this color sorting activity designed for preschoolers.

Learn More: Toddler Approved

21. Paper Plate Olympic Rings

This simple paper plate craft requires cutting out the center of five paper plates and guiding young learners to paint them according to the five Olympic ring colors.

Learn More: Meaningful Mama

22. Salt Dough Olympic Medals

These adorable, glimmering salt dough metals imprinted with numbers are a fantastic way to develop fine motor skills , learn about ordinal numbers and give children an opportunity to express their creativity.

Learn More: The Imagination Tree

23. Try a 3-in-1 Olympic Learning Activity

This creative combination of sensory play activities develops motor skills, color recognition, and matching skills all in one go.

Learn More: Playtivities

24. Bake Some Olympic Cookies

These delicious sugar cookies are sure to make a festive addition to any Olympic-themed celebration.

Learn More: Love To Be In The Kitchen

25. Try an Olympic Word Search

This digital Olympic-themed word search is a wonderful way to develop language fluency, improve spelling, teach patience and improve concentration skills.

Learn More: The Word Search

26. Play a Game of Paper Plate Tennis

Kids are sure to love making their own paper plate rackets for hours of balloon playing fun!

Learn More: Kids Activities

27. Play Some Olympic Games With Cups

From a ball toss to table soccer to discus throw, this creative collection of Olympics-inspired games uses reused cups and straws to bring students’ athletic spirit to life.

Learn More: The Educators’ Spin On It

28. Make Olympic Rings with Crystal Ice

This simple science activity gives kids a chance to observe crystals growing before their very eyes.

Learn More: Laughing Kids Learn

29. Make Olympic Rings out of Nature Art

This tactile sensory activity gives kids an opportunity to calculate the number of petals, rocks, and leaves they will need for each circle while practicing their creative engineering skills.

Learn More: KC Edventures

30. Olympic-Themed Math Centers

This package of thirteen stations is sure to keep young learners engaged and excited about the Olympics while teaching them core math skills of counting, sorting, and graphing.

Learn More: Differentiated Kindergarten

31. Practice Olympic Winter Sports Vocabulary

This collection of key Olympic words makes an excellent addition to a pocket chart for practice during circle time or to reinforce other reading comprehension activities .

Learn More: The Wise Owl Factory

32. Read an Emergent Book About the Olympic Games

This emergent reader introduces students to some key winter sports during the Winter Olympics and includes bold vocabulary words to support sight word practice.

33. Practice Literacy Skills 

This collection of Olympic-themed guided reader books come complete with comprehension quizzes, graphic organizers and reading response pages to enhance student learning.

Learn More: Teaching In Stripes

34. Play Olympic Games Bingo

What better way to enjoy the Winter Olympics than with a game of Bingo? This free printable can make a great addition to a family game night or be used as a brain break during an Olympics unit.

Learn More: The Taylor House

35. Conduct an Olympic Medal Tally

This fun and easy math idea is a great way to get kids excited about viewing the Olympic games.

Learn More: Boy Mama Teacher Mama

• General PE Topics
• Games: Winter Olympic Activities...i . . .

Games: Winter Olympic Activities...in Your Gym!

With the Winter Olympics saturating the television schedule, it's the ideal time to get your students involved in activities that mimic these Olympic events. Here are several activities you can perform in your gym.

Countries You can increase the fun by having classes divide into groups, with each group representing a different country.  Make it into an educational exercise by having them draw the flag of that country and learning important facts about it.

You can begin your Olympics with an opening ceremonies march-in, during which each country marches around they gym together, holding up their paper flag. You can make this even more fun by playing some cheering noises on your sound system (download it on the internet).

You can have the countries earn points for their performance in the sports competitions and tally the points on a board. Making the competitions into relays makes this easier.

Skeleton/Luge/Bobsled Use a scooter board, or several boards attached together to make a luge, skeleton or bobsled. For skeleton, have your students lie face-down and move head-first. For  luge, it's belly-up, feet-first. For bobsled, they sit on the scooter-board alone, or in pairs. If you can attach enough scooter boards together, you can make a four-man bobsled.

Students work in groups, with one or more students on the scooter and another one or two students pushing. With two students pushing, one stands on either side.

Have them push the luge/skeleton/bobsled down the gym to a release point, where they give a final push so the student keeps rolling and eventually piles into a soft mat. The first to hit the mat is the winner.

Alternatively, students could push themselves down the course.

Skating Have students stand on foam frisbees or towels (or they could bring old work socks). They then “skate” a course around the perimeter of the gym marked by pylons. They should use a bent-over speed skating posture.

To give them the feeling for the aerodynamic hooded suits the Olympic skaters wear, they could pull their T-shirts over the top of their heads.

Cross-Country Skiing  If you have soft-tipped Nordic walking poles, skate on the same frisbees or towels, but add the poling action required of cross-country skiers. Both skating and classic arm and leg actions can be used. If no poles are available, have students mimic the arm action.

Biathlon Using the cross-country ski action above, have students ski to a spot in the gym where they toss beanbags as a target on the wall. If they miss, they ski an extra lap before returning to the start.

Mogul Skiing Have students take a run and jump off Bosu balls or a gymnastics takeoff board onto a cushy mat, attempting to land on their feet. They can add tricks to increase the difficulty.

Hockey Play floor hockey, using plastic sticks and a ball or puck. Reference: Jackie Borchardt, “Physical-education classes get in spirit of Winter Games.” Casper Star-Tribune, February 20, 2010, from classes conducted by teacher Lisa Colling at Cottonwood and Mills Elementary schools.

To download the pdf version of this article, click here: Download Now

© 2018, Physical Education Update.com, www.peUpdate.com

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• Grades 2-4 SPECIALS and More
• Physical Education

Winter Olympic Learning Activities for PE

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Description

PE FUN CLUB - 8 Creative, Active, & Fun Winter Olympic Learning Activities: bobsled, curling, speed skating, Olympic Torch relay, alpine skiing, winter wonderland group game and more!

Physical Education, Summer Camp, & Field Day Resources designed for you with love from a P.E. teacher with 25 years experience!

• Hockey Station -description & poster (2 pages)
• Bob Sled Relay - description & poster (2 pages)
• Curling Station - description & poster (2 pages)
• Olympic Torch Relay - description & poster (2 pages)
• Speed Skating - description & poster (2 pages)
• Figure Skating - description & poster (2 pages)
• Alpine Skiing -description & poster (2 pages)
• Winter Wonderland Group Game -(2 pages)
• Bonus - Coloring Page

More Resources Link

PE Substitute Plans Bundle Plus Check-list

12 learning activities for any substitute to use (even if they aren't a PE sub!). Most activities have little to no equipment for safety. I just recently had to take 8 weeks for total knee replacement surgery, so I know the feeling of preparing for substitute. No worries, I have the planning done for you.

  Video Preview Link

• 12 learning activities that involve little or no equipment, for safety, that are fun, active for your students. These are my students favorite activities!
• Bonus - a checklist of other important specific information, that is site specific to you, that your substitute would find useful.

Activities such as:

• Hot Dog Tag
• Partner 8 Pin
• Lay Down Tag
• Everyone's It
• Dead Ant Tag
• Bee Hive Tag
• 8 more activities 

Among We - Among Us Themed Fitness & Social Game

Let us get fit and be social! Ditch the app, let us play in a more active, social way. My students loved this game and keep asking to play! Can you tell who the Imposter is?

This resource gives teachers video instructions and students colorful, fun, themed Google Slides game interface. Many videos describes how to set up and use various Zoom settings to play the game. I go into a lot of detail for Zoom but if you are familiar with Google Meets you could use the Google Slides Presentation and play it on that platform too.

Students must show cooperation and teamwork to find the Imposter.

PE FUN CLUB by Leslie Christine Physical Education, After-School Activities, Team Sports, Summer Camp, & Field Day Resources designed for you with love from a P.E. teacher with 30 years experience!  More Resources Link

Volleyball Individual & Partner Skills & Drills (30 Videos)

Check Out -  Video Preview  Resource provides 30 new fresh, fun, creative drills, skills, videos, and builds your confidence as a PE teacher and volleyball coach with these tools:

• 30 instructional videos & activities
• 5 Google slides of skills tips
• Progression from beginning to intermediate drills
• Additional modification for beginners
• Entire sample lesson on beginning skills for Pre- Kindergarten -2nd
• Challenges for each drill / skill

Volleyball is more fun with a friend or partner, get lots of ball touches with these individual and partner drills to improve ball control in passing, setting, spiking, and serving. No net is needed and can be done in small spaces.

Multi-Uses:

• team practices
• home activities
• summer camps

Click on the volleyball graphic for 28 video instructions and activities. Watch the video to learn the activity and skill tips yourself prior to demonstrating it for your athletes or show the video directly to your players so they see a visual of the activities. Videos show one advanced player and one beginning player so you can see a student athlete in action as well as proper volleyball technique.

Basketball Skills Obstacle Course  - teaching basic skills with a competitive, fun twist. Your students, grades Pre-K- 5th grade will love this activity! It can be used for soccer, volleyball, fitness and more. 10 instructional videos included, using real students to demonstrate the stations and games. Google Slides editable for your classroom needs. Small space, no basketball hoops, no problem, this resources is also for you.

PE Mini Golf Unit  - Pre-K-8th Grade

Learning Objective Activity: using teamwork, design and create your own mini golf hole, and safely practice the golf skill, putting. Benefits: (Why?) Physical Education & Stem Skills: creativity, engineering and design skills, teamwork, collaboration, problem solving, and golf skills.

• Peer Assessment
• Teacher Assessment
• Skills and Safety Video  watch link now
• Golf Etiquette Quiz
• Inspirational Golf Video
• Student Directions
• Teacher Tips
• Visual Examples
• Editable for your student's needs.

Create Your Own Dance - Tik TaK - PE Digital Distance Learning  Create Your Own Dance

• Safe way to follow the craze of Tik Tak in digital at home version (students aren't asked to go on Tik Tak). One week of PE digital learning - no planning, no prep.
• A fun competitive, fun element.
• Benefits: coordination, social skills, fitness, creative movement, learn new dance skills, fun, & smiles.
• To see a video preview:  Video Preview Dance
• Sign up for Flipgrid - students share their videos easily from their phones and can see their classmates videos. It is very motivating and great way to stay connected in healthy and happy way. It is safe and just for your classes. My school PE is optional (no grades), but Flipgrid gets everyone participating.
• Yes, I spelled Tik Tak wrong on purpose!

Students Choose Safe Options:

• beginning dance tutorials
• advanced dance tutorials
• real PE student dancers examples (cartoon mode)
• teacher example (put yourself into the presentation, students love to see you shake it on the dance floor).
• editable for your needs
• how to put steps together to a dance
• Easy, no planning, ready to use, fun, dance activity for your PE classes
• My students LOVED this activity.
• Grades Pk-8th (recommend for 4th-8th, but I sent it to everyone in my school)

Winter Olympics

Posted by Lora Fanning on Feb 9th 2022

PERFECT!!!!! This was a hit with my elementary pe kiddos and a great way to expose them to the winter sports.

Winter Olympic

Posted by Charlotte Perkins on Jan 26th 2022

Fun way to get kids excited and learn about the Winter Olympic sports.

Winter Sports

Posted by Erin Whitman on Jan 1st 2022

So much fun for my kids to practice and get introduced to the winter olympics

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• Pete Charrette

Winter PE Games: 10 Fun and Exciting Winter PE Activities for the Gym

As winter approaches, it is the perfect time to add some fun and excitement to your Physical Education classes. Taking your students outdoors to learn and have fun is an incredibly effective way of inspiring movement, engagement, and enthusiasm. Unfortunately, not all educators are able to bring this invaluable experience into their curriculum for a variety of reasons. Despite the limitations of being confined indoors, teachers can still be inventive and adapt winter-themed games and activities for their students to enjoy in any indoor gym or learning center. With a little creativity, you can keep your students engaged during even the coldest days!

An array of engaging winter-inspired games and activities await you, ready to be modified for your indoor teaching sessions. In this blog post, I will provide 10 great ideas for getting your students active and moving during the colder months. Many of these activities can be modified to be used with any grade level, making them perfect for schools, churches and community centers alike! Plus, they are a lot of fun!

Why include winter-themed activities and games in your indoor PE lessons?

Including winter-themed stations, games and activities in your PE curriculum is important as it helps to bring physical education to life. It can be difficult for students to stay motivated during the winter months, but these activities will help them become engaged with their PE lessons.

This is an ideal opportunity to shake up the tediousness of typical indoor physical education units and activities that occur during this time of year. It inspires students to be inventive and expressive with their physical activity and movement. Additionally, winter-themed games and activities allow for teachers to introduce their students to some winter-themed Olympic events, such as curling, luge/skeleton, skiing/snowboarding, speed skating, bobsleighing, and more!

Including winter-themed activities, stations, and games indoors is an awesome way to help you and your students reach SHAPE America Standard 5 which states: The physically literate individual recognizes the value of physical activity for health, enjoyment, challenge, self-expression and/or social interaction .*

10 tips for setting up the winter physical education activities

Making winter activities and games work in indoor PE classes requires some pre-planning and preparation. Here are a few tips to keep in mind:

When choosing activities for your students, their age and abilities should be taken into careful consideration. Ensure that the tasks you select are appropriate to your learners' developmental level so that your kids learn more efficiently.

Make sure you have all of the necessary materials for each game or activity. This includes any props, equipment, or materials that are needed.

Before starting class, take the time to organize and prepare your games and activities.

Enhance the student experience by incorporating festive and/or Olympic-related music while they engage in activities.

Make sure that the directions for each game or activity are straightforward and easy to understand. Showing or having students show others how to do it will help them grasp what is expected of them, so there's no misunderstanding!

Incorporate a Winter Olympics (Olympic Games) discussion into your lesson. Decorate your playing area with Olympic rings and get the kids involved in the celebration.

Videos by Eric Turrill: Round Hill P.E. - @RHEPE1

Make sure to have a clear plan on how you will move between different movement experiences in order to make your lesson flow smoothly with minimal pauses or interruptions.

At the end of every lesson, review and highlight some of the most important take-aways that your students have gained.

So that the next class can start on time, reset the equipment. Assign this task to your current class so you don't have to do it yourself.

10 Active and Engaging Winter-Themed Indoor Ideas for PE

To ensure your physical education classes are filled with zest and enthusiasm throughout the colder winter months, try these 10 exhilarating winter-themed movement experiences in your learning area!

1- Paper Plate Activate- Winter Style

A great way to start off a winter-themed PE lesson!

Students move from laminated plate to plate every 30 seconds to perform winter sports and winter games fitness-skill movements. This is a GREAT warm-up fitness activity to tie in Olympic activities for kids.

Laminate several plates with exercises that relate to Winter Olympic activities (i.e. Luge - Leg lifts, skeleton - plank hold, curling - lunge jumps, downhill skiing - squats etc.)

Scatter the plates around the playing area face up

Evenly distribute the students at the laminated winter Olympic plates

Provide your students with instructions for the activity. Turn on some upbeat music. Set a timer for 30 seconds and play your favorite music to get in the zone. The students will do the exercise or movement for 30 seconds. After the music stops, have the kids rotate and choose any other plate. They can only go to a plate they have not been to before. Continue this pattern for 4 to 6 minutes

Bobsled is a winter sport in which teams of two or four people make timed runs down narrow, twisting, banked, iced tracks in a gravity-powered sled.

Students take turns winding their way through an obstacle course on folded mats perched atop scooter boards.

Place a folded mat on 4 to 6 scooters

Set up cones and poly spots to represent the ski hill bobsled course

Create an ending area that participants turn around to go back to the starting line

In small groups, students take turns pushing and riding the bobsled course. Use stopwatches to time each run or race against other teams. Stress safety while pushing and riding. The bobsleds must stay inside the course or the team is disqualified. Alternative: Connect 2 to 4 scooters together and do the above mentioned activity without the mat.

3- Winter Biathlon

The Winter Olympic event of Biathlon combines cross-country skiing and rifle shooting, providing a unique challenge for athletes.

Students take turns gliding across the gym floor to a shooting station where they take 3 shots at a target.

Set up several relay lines using poly spot makers and cones. Keep the lines short (3 or 4 students per line)

Put laminated plates and pool noodles at the start of each relay line

Place 3 frisbees at the end of the course

Have a shooting area and a target for each line. It could be a wall target or a ball sitting on a cone

The students, in small relay lines of 3 or 4 students, use laminated paper plates or carpet squares and pool noodles as ski poles, to cross country ski from a starting line to a shooting area. At the shooting area, they will pick up a Frisbee and attempt to hit a target on the wall or a small ball off of a cone. They get 3 shots and then cross country ski back to the start line. The next person in line repeats the action. Alternative: use a ball instead of a Frisbee to shoot with.

4- Hockey Shooting

Hockey is an exciting sport in which two teams compete against each other, attempting to score goals by maneuvering a ball or puck into the opposing goal with their hockey stick.

Students take turns stick-handling a ball or puck down the gym floor and shooting on a goal past a goalie.

Place a goal at the end of each line. The goal could be a regular hockey or small soccer goal or 2 cones a few feet apart from each other

Place a ball and hockey stick (or pool noodle) at the start of of the shooting area

Put a market down that designates where a shot must be taken form (for safety)

The students, in small relay lines of 3 or 4 students, take turns stick-handling a soft ball and shooting on a goal. A goalie is placed in front of the goal for each line. Only 1 shot can be taken at a time (no rebounds). A shot must be taken at a designated line or marker. After they shoot, students become the goalie and the goalie brings the ball back to the next person in line. Alternative: students use hockey sticks and a small nerf ball to play a 2-on-2 or 3-on-3 game.

5- Ski Jumping

Ski Jumping is a thrilling Nordic skiing activity that challenges athletes to launch off of an inclined ramp and soar through the air, flying as far away as they can.

Students run down a path and jump as far as they can off a mat or springboard. .

Place a cone or polyspot as a starting line for this activity

Set up a running path with a mat, mini tramp or springboard at the end

Secure a crashmat beyond the takeoff implement for added safety

The students, in small relay lines of 3 or 4, run down a straight course and jump off of a spring board or folded mat (using 2 feet) and fly in the air on to a crash mat or another flat mat. Measurements can be taken and marked after each jump. Alternative: use a 1 foot takeoff for the ski jump.

6- Snowball Target Throw

A PE lesson during winter is incomplete without a classic snowball throw!

Students take turns throwing yarn or fleece balls at several targets in a station area.

Create, print and laminate some wall targets to throw at

Set up several throwing lines and targets in a set area of the gym

Place yarn balls out on the throwing lines

Targets could include a wall target, open cone on a chair, upright hula hoop, bowling pin(s), etc.

Organizing into small groups, the students put their hand-eye coordination and athletic ability to the test by taking turns throwing soft yarn or fleece balls in an effort to hit targets, knock down pins, throw through hula hoops, or land them inside cones. Alternative: partners or trios can play catch throwing the yarn balls back and forth to each other.

Curling is a beloved winter sport, where players strategically slide stones on an icy surface towards a target area composed of four circles.

Two students take turns sliding 2 Frisbees toward a target created with tape or chalk.

For every station, draw a line to curl from and put two frisbees on it

Create a target on the floor away from the curling line using either tape or chalk

The students, in groups of 4 students (2 teams of 2), take turns sliding a Frisbee down to the other end where the target is. Scoring is as follows: 1 point when the Frisbee stops completely in the larger target area. 2 points when a Frisbee stops inside the inner circle or square. A game can be played to 15 points. Alternative: beanbags can be used to slide at the target for certain floor types.

8- Ice Fishing Fitness

Ice-fishing is an exciting and rewarding practice that entails catching fish with fishing lines, spears or hooks through a hole in the ice atop a frozen body of water.

Students take turns using a fishing rod to put over a mat and perform certain exercises based on what they catch.

Set up several fishing rods with a string on the end with a magnet on each

Write down exercises and repetitions on index cards (laminate them prior to use)

Put something on the cards that sticks to magnets

Groups some tumbling mats upright to represent a frozen lake or pond

The students take turns putting a line and pole over and in a group of mats (representing a frozen pond). The poles could be pool noodles with a string and magnet attached to the end. Inside the mat area, another student attaches an exercise card (with a magnet attached to the back of it) and when the fisherman pulls it up, they must do the exercise. For example, the exercise card could say to do 10 pushups or 10 sit ups. Students should switch roles after each fishing trip! Alternative: the cards could be manipulative skills vs fitness activities such as dribble a ball 10 times, toss and catch a beanbag, etc.

9- Skeleton

Skeleton is an adrenaline-filled winter activity in which a competitor straps into a small sled and hurtles headfirst down a frozen course at breakneck speeds.

Students take turns scooting on a scooter board, gliding through an obstacle course face down.

Establish cones and poly spots to replicate the ski hill skeleton track

Place a scooter board at the starting line of each track

Create an ending area that students turn around to go back to the starting line

In groups of three or four, students take turns scooting down an appointed track as they lie on their stomachs atop scooter boards. With only the power of their feet and arms driving them forward, they move as quickly as possible down the track and back! Races can be timed with stopwatches or pitted against competing groups. Alternative: add 2 scooter boards together to make the surface larger if needed.

10- Snowflake Fitness

A great full-class activity to use to get everyone moving and active. Great for a warm-up or class-ending activity.

Students perform a variety of locomotor movements and fitness-based exercises using snowflake cut-outs as task cards

Create some snowflake cards with exercises and reps/time added on them

You’ll need at least twice as many cards as students

Place the snowflake cards in the middle of the playing area, face down, to represent a Snowfall

Place 6 – 12 cones around the gym perimeter and group the students into small-group, even clusters, behind each cone to start Snowflake Fitness

On a teacher signal (preferably upbeat music), the first student in line runs (or uses a teacher-directed locomotor movement) to a card, flips it over, and performs the exercise listed, using the designated number of repetitions

The student perform the exercise out in the center & then returns to their line

After returning, the student then tags the hand of the next student in his/her line and that student moves out to find a new snowflake card in the middle and performs the exercise for the designated number for repetitions or set time

The process continues for a teacher-designated, set time such as 5 or 10 minutes

Alternative: use scooter boards to enter the card area.

Final thoughts

Physical Education classes can reach a whole new level of excitement with the introduction of winter-themed activities, games and stations! Not only will they be engaging, but educational too - making them an ideal choice for PE teachers. A true gold medal performance and so much fun! Through modern Olympics-inspired activities, students can have the opportunity to discover and explore a wide range of previously unknown activities while learning more about some Olympic events.

In this post, I've shared ten helpful ideas for incorporating this topic into your physical education lessons. By incorporating these outdoor seasonal activities and sports into your indoor lessons, you will be sure to keep your students engaged and active during the winter months!

Even during the colder months, your students can stay active by participating in wintry physical activities outdoors at home or around their community. Urge them to get involved and enjoy themselves! To keep them away from digital devices while remaining physically fit, assign homework that involves some fun movement options!

What winter-themed physical education activities do you enjoy the most? Share your insights in the comments section below! Also, if this post has been beneficial to you in any way, please pass it along and share with fellow PE teachers and on social media. Thanks for reading!

*SHAPE America. (2013). National Standards for K-12 Physical Education. Reston, VA: Author.

Need some FREE Instant Activity Fitness Blasts for Winter?

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You can download them from either of the following platforms: Cap'n Pete's Power PE Website or Teachers Pay Teachers- Cap'n Pete's TPT Store

What Resources are in the PE Winter Stations and Fitness, 6-Set Super Bundle?

1- Snowflake Fitness- Activity Plan and Snowflake Movement Task Cards

2- PE Winter Sport Stations: 20 Activities and Station Cards

3- Paper Plate Activate- Winter Olympic Edition

4- PE Concentration: Winter Version- 32 Matching Memory Cards

5- PE Homework (Winter)- Top 10 Activity Visuals- Simple Large Print Design

6- Snowman Fitness Blasts- 12 Action-Packed Workouts

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10 Olympic Inspired Classroom Activities Resources

• EdTech & Innovation

Incorporating the excitement and global camaraderie of the Olympics into classroom activities can be an inspiring way to engage students in a variety of subjects. Whether it’s history, geography, math, physical education, or teamwork, here are ten Olympic-inspired resources and activities that educators can utilize to bring the spirit of the Games into their lessons:

1. Olympic Country Research Projects: Assign each student a country participating in the Olympics to research. Students can present information on the country’s culture, history, notable Olympians, and past Olympic performances.

2. Olympic Math Challenges: Create math problems and statistics challenges based on Olympic data. For example, students can calculate scoring averages, medal counts by countries, or even design graphs and charts based on Olympic results.

3. Olympic Ring Art: Using the iconic five colored rings of the Olympics, art activities can focus on color theory and symbolism. Students can create their own Olympic-themed art by incorporating these rings and discussing their significance.

4. Host Your Own Classroom Olympics: Organize a series of mini-games that capture the essence of different Olympic sports. Events can include paper plane javelin, desk chair racing or straw “shooting” for target practice.

5. Physical Education:  Try New Sports: Introduce students to sports they may not be as familiar with that are part of the Olympics such as handball or table tennis. This could inspire interest in learning new physical skills.

6. World Languages Through Anthems & Flags: Use the national anthems and flags of various countries to inspire lessons in languages and geography. Students could learn to sing an anthem in a foreign language or design their own flag that represents a fictional country they create based on certain cultural elements learned.

7. History of The Olympics: Explore ancient Greece where the Olympics originated and compare it with modern-day versions of the events. This project enhances knowledge in world history and helps develop timeline skills.

8. Literature & Writing: Athlete Biographies: Have students select an Olympian and write a biography that highlights their journey to compete at The Olympic Games, including personal challenges faced along the way.

9. Science & Technology: Equipment Design: Delve into design challenges faced by athletes in sports technology by having students research how equipment is made for various sports such as bobsled or cycling, then coming up with their own invention ideas for equipment improvements.

10. Values & Teamwork Activities: Use principles exemplified by The International Olympic Committee (IOC) such as excellence, friendship, respect, determination, inspiration and courage to host discussions or team-building exercises reflecting these values within classroom groups.

These activities not only bring an international view into your classroom but also offer opportunities for cross-curricular learning experiences; fostering deeper understanding and participation amongst students who will be proud to carry the spirit of inclusivity and ambition represented by The Olympics.

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• Olympic Studies Centre
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Olympic Education Commission

The Commission for Olympic Education advises the IOC Session, the IOC Executive Board and the IOC President on the promotion of Olympic values-based education and provides strategic direction on IOC programmes and activities related to the education of youth through sport.

The responsibilities of the Olympic Education Commission are to advise on :

• The development and implementation of an Olympic values education strategy;
• Advocacy for quality physical education and the integration of values in school curricula, and for suitable and age appropriate sports in and out of school settings;
• Dissemination of the Olympic values in various communication channels, and the promotion of the importance of sport and physical activity for youth development and education;
• Delivery of the Olympic Values Education Programme, and development of resources for teachers and educators on Olympic values and life skills;
• Integration of values education into IOC properties and partner programmes such as the Athlete Career Development Programme, Massive Online Open Courses, YOG, OCOGs and WADA;
• Optimisation of strategic partnerships with IOC-recognised organisations working in the field of education, and support Sport for Development programmes which focus on the development of life skills and values education.

The Olympic Education Commission is supported by the Culture and Heritage Department.

Composition

• Mikaela COJUANGCO JAWORSKI
• Syed Shahid ALI
• Nita AMBANI
• Marisol CASADO
• Maria de la Caridad COLÓN RUENES
• Yelena ISINBAEVA
• Kee-heung LEE
• Seung-min RYU
• Baklai TEMENGIL
• Paul K. TERGAT
• Sheikha Hind bint Hamad AL-THANI
• Caroline BENTON
• Abhinav BINDRA
• Gregory BURNS
• Gudrun DOLL-TEPPER
• Cecile FAYE
• Konstantinos GEORGIADIS
• Yohan GOUTT GONÇALVES
• Barry HENDRICKS
• Keith JOSEPH
• Marion KEIM LEES
• Isidoros KOUVELOS
• Sengdeuane LACHANTHABOUN
• Vaida MASALSKYTE
• Roisin MCGETTIGAN
• Eric MONNIN
• Vira PEREDERIY
• Laurent PETRYNKA
• Mary PIERCE
• Jeanette SMALL
• Luzeng SONG
• Stephan WASSONG
• Fenella WENHAM
• Thierry ZINTZ

Director in charge

• Director of Culture and Heritage

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LA28’s youth sports programme PlayLA reaches over half-a-million children in five years

Focus on education makes Winter YOG a unique experience

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Abhinav Bindra: “Every child in India has something to gain from sport and the Olympic Movement”

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Olympic Values Education Programme launched in India with inaugural project in Odisha

In China, millions of children to carry forward the Beijing 2022 Olympic flame

Dow set to inspire Japanese schoolchildren through Tokyo 2020 banner recycling project

Athletes’ mental health, contribution of the Olympic Movement to the SDGs among 19 priority topics in the Advanced Olympic Research Grant Programme

22 Creative Olympic Games Activities for Students

The Olympic Games, with their rich history and spirit of global unity, has always been an inspiring event that captures the imagination of people worldwide.

For students, the Olympics offer a unique opportunity to engage in fun and educational activities that promote teamwork, physical fitness, cultural appreciation, and creativity.

Whether it’s during the official Olympic season or as part of a classroom initiative, incorporating Olympic-themed activities can be an exciting way to infuse learning with enthusiasm and excitement.

Now , we present creative Olympic Games activities for students, fostering a sense of camaraderie and a passion for sports and cultural exchange.

Activity 1: “Olympic Flag Design Challenge”

In this activity, students can unleash their creativity by designing their own Olympic flags. Divide the class into small groups and provide them with art supplies, including colored paper, markers, and glue. Encourage them to incorporate symbols and colors that represent the spirit of the Olympics and their own cultural identity. This activity not only fosters artistic expression but also prompts discussions on the significance of symbols and colors in promoting unity and understanding among different nations. Once the flags are complete, students can proudly display their creations, and each group can explain the meaning behind their designs to the rest of the class.

Activity 2: “International Sports Showcase”

Create a multicultural sports showcase where students can explore and demonstrate various traditional sports from different countries. Assign different countries to groups of students, and encourage them to research and present sports that are unique to their assigned nations. The presentations can include demonstrations of the sports, explanations of their origins, and the cultural significance behind them. It’s a wonderful opportunity for students to appreciate and celebrate the diversity of sports worldwide, fostering a sense of global camaraderie through the shared love of athletics.

Related: 20 Best 1 Minute Talent Show Ideas for Kids

Activity 3: “Olympic Trivia Challenge”

Test the students’ knowledge of Olympic history with an exciting trivia challenge. Create a series of questions related to past Olympic Games, iconic athletes, and interesting facts about the event. You can use multimedia tools like PowerPoint presentations or interactive quizzes to make the activity engaging and competitive. Encourage teamwork by allowing students to form groups and work together to answer the questions. This activity not only educates students about the Olympics but also promotes critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

Activity 4: “Olympic Torch Relay”

Organize a mini Olympic Torch Relay within the school premises or the local community. Designate a starting point and a finish line, and divide the students into relay teams. Each team will take turns carrying an “Olympic torch” (a decorated baton or flashlight) as they race to pass it from one team member to the next. This activity encourages physical activity, teamwork, and a sense of accomplishment as students experience the symbolic passing of the torch, just like in the real Olympic Games. Source: wsj.com

Activity 5: “Cultural Food Festival”

Host an Olympic-themed food festival where students can share and enjoy dishes from various countries. Encourage students and their families to prepare traditional foods representing their cultural heritage. As part of the activity, students can present short talks about the cultural significance of the dishes they brought. This event celebrates culinary diversity and promotes cultural understanding through shared experiences, bringing the spirit of the Olympics to the table. Source: traveltriangle.com

Activity 6: “Olympic Athlete Biographies”

Encourage students to research and create biographies of famous Olympic athletes throughout history. Assign each student or group of students a different athlete and have them delve into their backgrounds, achievements, and challenges faced during their careers. They can present their findings in the form of written reports, presentations, or even short videos. This activity not only fosters research skills but also allows students to draw inspiration from the incredible stories of determination and perseverance exhibited by Olympic athletes. Source: bookbub.com

Activity 7: “Olympic Book Club”

Start an Olympic-themed book club where students can read and discuss books related to sports, Olympic history, or the cultural significance of the Games. Choose age-appropriate books that align with students’ interests and reading levels. After reading the books, organize engaging discussions where students can share their thoughts, reflections, and favorite parts of the stories. This activity promotes literacy, critical thinking, and empathy, as students explore the lives of athletes and the impact of the Olympics on the world stage. Source: weareteachers.com

Activity 8: “Olympic Science Challenges”

Combine sports and science in this exciting activity that focuses on the physics and biomechanics of Olympic events. Students can choose different sports and explore the scientific principles behind them, such as the mechanics of a basketball shot, the aerodynamics of a javelin throw, or the forces involved in a long jump. They can conduct experiments, create models, or use technology to analyze and better understand the science behind these athletic performances. This activity reinforces STEM concepts while connecting them to real-world applications in sports. Source: insidetheperimeter.ca

Activity 9: “Olympic Language Exchange”

Promote cultural exchange and language learning by pairing students from different countries or linguistic backgrounds. Encourage them to teach each other basic phrases and expressions in their native languages related to sports, greetings, and common conversational topics. Through language exchange, students can gain a deeper appreciation for different cultures and enhance their communication skills. This activity not only celebrates linguistic diversity but also embodies the spirit of international understanding that the Olympics represent. Source: teachingenglish.org.uk

Activity 10: “Olympic Sportsmanship Pledge”

Inculcate the values of sportsmanship and fair play through a meaningful pledge-taking ceremony. Discuss with students the principles of sportsmanship and how they apply not only to sports but also to everyday life. Have students write or recite their own personal sportsmanship pledges, promising to uphold the spirit of fairness, respect, and integrity in all their endeavors, whether on the field or in the classroom. Display the pledges prominently in the classroom or school to serve as a constant reminder of their commitment to be good sports and global citizens. Source: onlinemasters.ohio.edu

Activity 11: “Olympic Art Gallery”

Organize an Olympic-themed art gallery where students can showcase their artwork inspired by the Games. Encourage students to create paintings, drawings, sculptures, or digital art that capture the essence of sportsmanship, victory, and the Olympic spirit. Set up the gallery in a common area of the school or host a virtual exhibition to display the students’ masterpieces. This activity not only celebrates artistic expression but also instills in students the values of determination and perseverance depicted through the art of athletes and artists alike. Source: createartwithme.com

Activity 12: “Olympic Mathletics”

Combine mathematics with sports statistics in this engaging activity. Have students research and analyze data related to Olympic records, medal counts, and athlete performances. They can create graphs, charts, and infographics to visualize the data and draw meaningful conclusions. This activity fosters mathematical skills such as data analysis, graphing, and problem-solving, while also deepening students’ appreciation for the numerical aspects of the Olympic Games. Source: mathletics.com

Activity 13: “Olympic Drama Productions”

Allow students to explore the world of theater by creating their own Olympic-themed drama productions. Divide the class into groups, and assign each group a different Olympic-related topic to develop a short skit or play. It could be about the history of the Olympics, the journey of an athlete, or a story promoting values like teamwork and sportsmanship. Encourage students to incorporate dialogue, acting, and even costumes to make their performances memorable. This activity promotes creativity, collaboration, and public speaking skills in an entertaining and educational way. Source: nytimes.com

Activity 14: “Olympic Environmental Awareness”

Raise awareness about environmental issues through an Olympic-themed eco-campaign. Have students research and discuss the environmental impact of hosting large-scale events like the Olympics and explore sustainable practices that can be implemented in future Games. They can design posters, presentations, or social media campaigns to spread awareness and encourage eco-friendly behavior. This activity emphasizes the importance of environmental stewardship and empowers students to become ambassadors for positive change. Source: magazine.impactscool.com

Activity 15: “Olympic Mini-Marathon”

Organize a mini-marathon event within the school or community to promote physical fitness and teamwork. Students can train and participate in the marathon as individuals or in teams, fostering a sense of camaraderie and healthy competition. This activity not only promotes a healthy lifestyle but also teaches valuable lessons about goal-setting, discipline, and the rewards of hard work. You can even arrange for fun awards or medals to celebrate each participant’s effort and dedication. Source: ptotoday.com

Activity 16: “Olympic Cultural Showcase”

Host a cultural showcase where students can celebrate the diversity of the world by presenting the traditions, customs, and celebrations of different countries. Each student or group can choose a country and create displays or presentations that highlight its unique cultural aspects. This activity not only promotes cultural appreciation but also encourages students to research and learn about different parts of the world, fostering global awareness and understanding. Source: continentalpress.com

Activity 17: “Olympic Journalism Reporting”

Encourage students to take on the role of sports journalists and report on the Olympic Games as if they were on the ground covering the event. They can write articles, create video reports, or even set up a class newspaper or blog. This activity allows students to practice their writing and communication skills while keeping them engaged with the latest news and developments in the sports world. It also opens discussions about media literacy and responsible reporting. Source: nfi.edu

Activity 18: “Olympic Musical Medley”

Organize a musical medley that showcases the diverse music and rhythms from various countries. Students can perform songs, dances, or musical compositions representing different cultures. This activity not only celebrates the artistic and musical talents of the students but also deepens their understanding of cultural heritage and the universal language of music that unites people across the globe. Source: naeyc.org

Activity 19: “Olympic Inventors’ Challenge”

Inspire innovation and creativity with an Olympic-themed inventors’ challenge. Students can brainstorm and design new sports equipment or technology that could enhance athletic performance or improve the spectator experience. They can create prototypes, drawings, or presentations of their inventions. This activity fosters critical thinking and problem-solving skills while encouraging students to think outside the box and contribute to the world of sports. Source: teachingexpertise.com

Activity 20: “Olympic Closing Ceremony Celebration”

Wrap up your Olympic-themed activities with a grand closing ceremony celebration. Invite parents, teachers, and the school community to participate in a festive event that showcases the students’ achievements and experiences throughout the various activities. This ceremony can include performances, displays, and presentations that highlight the lessons learned, the friendships formed, and the lasting impact of the Olympic Games on the students’ lives. Source: mountabuschool.com

Recommended:

• 25 Teeth Brushing Activities for Preschoolers
• 24 Fun Literacy Activities for Preschoolers
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Sohaib Hasan Shah

Sohaib's journey includes 10+ years of teaching and counseling experience at BCSS School in elementary and middle schools, coupled with a BBA (Hons) with a minor in Educational Psychology from Curtin University (Australia) . In his free time, he cherishes quality moments with his family, reveling in the joys and challenges of parenthood. His three daughters have not only enriched his personal life but also deepened his understanding of the importance of effective education and communication, spurring him to make a meaningful impact in the world of education.

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Winter Olympics in the Gym

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Physical Fitness Linked to Better Mental Health in Young People

A new study bolsters existing research suggesting that exercise can protect against anxiety, depression and attention challenges.

By Matt Richtel

Physical fitness among children and adolescents may protect against developing depressive symptoms, anxiety and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, according to a study published on Monday in JAMA Pediatrics.

The study also found that better performance in cardiovascular activities, strength and muscular endurance were each associated with greater protection against such mental health conditions. The researchers deemed this linkage “dose-dependent,” suggesting that a child or adolescent who is more fit may be accordingly less likely to experience the onset of a mental health disorder.

These findings come amid a surge of mental health diagnoses among children and adolescents, in the United States and abroad, that have prompted efforts to understand and curb the problem.

The new study, conducted by researchers in Taiwan, compared data from two large data sets: the Taiwan National Student Fitness Tests, which measures student fitness performance in schools, and the National Insurance Research Databases, which records medical claims, diagnoses prescriptions and other medical information. The researchers did not have access to the students’ names but were able to use the anonymized data to compare the students’ physical fitness and mental health results.

The risk of mental health disorder was weighted against three metrics for physical fitness: cardio fitness, as measured by a student’s time in an 800-meter run; muscle endurance, indicated by the number of situps performed; and muscle power, measured by the standing broad jump.

Improved performance in each activity was linked with a lower risk of mental health disorder. For instance, a 30-second decrease in 800-meter time was associated, in girls, with a lower risk of anxiety, depression and A.D.H.D. In boys, it was associated with lower anxiety and risk of the disorder.

An increase of five situps per minute was associated with lower anxiety and risk of the disorder in boys, and with decreased risk of depression and anxiety in girls.

“These findings suggest the potential of cardiorespiratory and muscular fitness as protective factors in mitigating the onset of mental health disorders among children and adolescents,” the researchers wrote in the journal article.

Physical and mental health were already assumed to be linked , they added, but previous research had relied largely on questionnaires and self-reports, whereas the new study drew from independent assessments and objective standards.

The Big Picture

The surgeon general, Dr. Vivek H. Murthy, has called mental health “the defining public health crisis of our time,” and he has made adolescent mental health central to his mission. In 2021 he issued a rare public advisory on the topic. Statistics at the time revealed alarming trends: From 2001 to 2019, the suicide rate for Americans ages 10 to 19 rose 40 percent, and emergency visits related to self-harm rose 88 percent.

Some policymakers and researchers have blamed the sharp increase on the heavy use of social media, but research has been limited and the findings sometimes contradictory. Other experts theorize that heavy screen use has affected adolescent mental health by displacing sleep, exercise and in-person activity, all of which are considered vital to healthy development. The new study appeared to support the link between physical fitness and mental health.

“The finding underscores the need for further research into targeted physical fitness programs,” its authors concluded. Such programs, they added, “hold significant potential as primary preventative interventions against mental disorders in children and adolescents.”

Matt Richtel is a health and science reporter for The Times, based in Boulder, Colo. More about Matt Richtel

Understanding A.D.H.D.

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Millions of children in the United States have received a diagnosis of A.D.H.D . Here is how their families can support them .

The condition is also being recognized more in adults . These are some of the behaviors  that might be associated with adult A.D.H.D.

Since a nationwide Adderall shortage started, some people with A.D.H.D. have said their medication no longer helps with their symptoms. But there could be other factors at play .

Everyone has bouts of distraction and forgetfulness. Here is when psychiatrists diagnose it as something clinical .

The disorder can put a strain on relationships. But there are ways to cope .

Though meditation can be beneficial to those with A.D.H.D., sitting still and focusing on breathing can be hard for them. These tips can help .