The Olympics and Teaching Children about Competition
Citius, Altius, Fortius, is Latin for “Faster, Higher, Stronger”.
original moto of the Olympic Games.
The Olympics is a wonderful event to help in learning about competition.
The word ‘competition’ was fleetingly mentioned in the original version of Te Whāriki under the goal of ‘contribution’. It stated that an outcome of early childhood education was for children to “develop positive and constructive attitudes to competition“.
Together, are we making participation in competition enjoyable?
Are we enabling children to aspire to be winners, to go faster, to strive higher, and to be strong in mind and body? If not, why not?
Early childhood education lays the foundation for later learning and is important in the development of attitudes and dispositions. Attitudes toward competition form during the early years of a child’s life.
Becoming and being excited by competition and learning about the importance of practice, perseverance, planning, and always aiming to do one’s best are things that a young child can pick up on.
The Games excite us as no other sports event really can and for children who can’t attend the Games, the best way to pick up on the excitement and emotion is to watch the performances of athletes on screen.
It may be contentious to suggest in early childhood services we watch the Olympics competitions with children. But, talking about it and looking at static pictures and printed reports only is not as emotionally inspiring and educational as seeing the action and following our athletes’ achievements (and disappointments).
Free tips and an article for Members
Go to a member article for top tips on ways to involve children in the Olympics at your early childhood centre or home. There are many great ways to do this.
It is advisable to support children to participate in games and competition that is fun and enjoyable.
