The Olympics and Teaching Children about Competition

Search Entire Website
olympic rings

Competition.
26 July 2021.

Citius, Altius, Fortius, is Latin for “Faster, Higher, Stronger”.

original moto of the Olympic Games.

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.   

olympic rings

The word ‘competition’ was fleetingly mentioned in the original version of Te Whāriki  under the goal of ‘contribution’ – it was stated that an outcome of early childhood education is that it should help children to “develop positive and constructive attitudes to competition“.

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 early childhood teachers let children watch the Olympics. 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. 

running race

Early childhood educators and teachers can involve children in the Olympics  There are many great ways to do this. 

Also, its not only possible but it is advisable to support children to participate in games and competition that is enjoyable.  

Has this been useful?  Give us your feedback.

You are welcome to add a link to this page on your website. Copyright belongs to the OECE so please do not copy any content without our written permission.

Information provided is of a general nature. It is provided ‘as is’, and we accept no liability for its accuracy or completeness. See our Terms and Conditions.

Related Posts

many colours of paint concept for early childhood sector groups and early childhood education system

Who is Who in our Sector

Early Childhood Education System. The Stakeholders and Key Organisations Peak Bodies / Largest ECE Service Operators Operators of more than 400 licensed services in our

Read More »
Social play among girls playing with a baby buggy and cart at early childhood centre.

Talking with Children in Prams and Supermarket Trolleys While Shopping

Abstract: Children’s language development is influenced by the amount and quality of interactions that they are immersed in.  This study investigated the parent-child interactions that occur when parents accompany young children in prams while moving between shops.  Overall, minimal levels […]

Read More »
the importance of touch as part of caregiving and teaching children

How to Find Common Ground with Dads

Relationships with Dads in ECE. How can we as female educators find common-ground with Dads that is non-threatening? Karen (ECE teacher). Dr Alexander Replies: *  A major common-ground between female educators and Dads is the child – talk with Dads […]

To access this member only information, you must purchase Educator Membership.

Read More »
Early childhood teachers meeting to discuss planning.

Building Members Enthusiasm and Commitment

Committee Member Commitment. For their investment of time what do your board or committee members get back?   It’s rare that someone will keep contributing if he/she is not benefiting from participating. And those with the most to offer are often […]

Read More »
outdoors

Indoor-Outdoor Spaces and Room Layout

Early Childhood Centre Design Ideas. We show, with photographs, a different design and approach to using space for supporting small group and project work. The design comes from a bilingual kindergarten, called a ‘Kita’ in Hamburg, Germany.   The photographs were […]

Read More »
The Office of ECE

Share This Information

Table of Contents

Table of Contents

The Office of ECE Login

Public Area Categories
Categories