How to Watch the 2024 Olympics with Kids: Fun Educational Activities and Lessons

The Olympics are not just about athletic competitions; they are a global celebration filled with teachable moments in sportsmanship, culture, and history. Watching the Paris 2024 Summer Olympics and Paralympic Games with your kids can be an enriching and educational experience. From the dazzling torch relay to the spectacular closing ceremony, the Olympics provide a unique platform to engage children in various core subjects, instill important values, and create lasting family memories. In this blog, Teachers on Call's in-person and online tutoring team will guide you through how to make the most of the Olympic Games, transforming them into a captivating learning adventure for your kids.

At Teachers on Call, we're known for our in-person and online tutoring services, but we also believe in transforming special occasions into learning opportunities. The Paris 2024 Olympics offer countless ways to teach children about geography, history, science, math, physical education and character development. By integrating lessons from the Olympic Games into your family activities, you can inspire curiosity and a love for learning. Let's explore how you can make the most of this incredible event with your kids.

The Magic of Paris 2024

Paris, the "City of Light," is set to host the 2024 Summer Olympics, bringing its rich history, iconic landmarks, and vibrant culture to the global stage. The city’s unique charm and significance make this Olympic season particularly special. Here are some reasons why Paris 2024 is an extraordinary opportunity for learning and excitement:

Historical Landmarks: Events will take place at some of Paris’s most famous sites, including the Eiffel Tower, the Champs-Élysées, and the Seine River. Discuss the history and significance of these landmarks with your kids as you watch the events unfold.
Cultural Heritage: Paris is a hub of art, fashion, and cuisine. The opening and closing ceremonies are expected to showcase the best of French culture, offering a visual feast and a chance to learn about French traditions and contributions to the arts.
Sustainability: Paris 2024 is committed to being one of the most sustainable Olympic Games ever. Learn about the city’s initiatives to reduce the environmental impact of the Games, including the use of existing venues and eco-friendly infrastructure. This is particularly interesting for students and teachers involved in EcoSchools, highlighting real-world applications of sustainability practices.
Language Connection: With French being one of Canada’s official languages, the Paris Olympics provide a perfect opportunity to practice French. Encourage your kids to watch events with French commentary and learn new vocabulary related to sports and the Olympics.

Fun Fact: Paris, France vs. Paris, Ontario

It's important to note that the Paris 2024 Olympics are taking place in Paris, France, and not Paris, Ontario. Paris, Ontario, is a charming town located in the county of Brant, known for its beautiful Victorian architecture and scenic location at the junction of the Grand and Nith Rivers, just northwest of the city of Brantford. While much smaller than its namesake in France - Paris, Ontario, is affectionately known as “the prettiest little town in Canada” and "the cobblestone capital of Canada."

How to Watch the Olympics from Canada

Watching the Olympics from Canada is easy and accessible. Canadian networks such as CBC/Radio-Canada provide extensive coverage of the events, including live broadcasts, replays, and highlights. Their websites, mobile apps and social media platforms often feature additional content such as athlete profiles, behind-the-scenes footage, and interactive features. Here’s how to make the most of it:

CBC/Radio-Canada: Visit the CBC Olympics website for comprehensive coverage. The site offers live streams, schedules, and special features on Canadian athletes.
TSN and Sportsnet: These networks also provide extensive Olympic coverage. Check their websites and apps for schedules and live streams.

Important Dates

Olympics: The Paris 2024 Summer Olympics will take place from Friday, July 26, 2024, with the opening ceremony, to Sunday, August 11, 2024.
Paralympics: The Paris 2024 Paralympic Games will be held from Wednesday, August 28, 2024, to Sunday, September 8, 2024.

Educational Resources and Activities

To enhance the viewing experience and make it educational, consider these resources and activities:

Team Canada Website: The Team Canada website offers a wealth of information about Canadian athletes, including bios, news, interactive features and Canadian Olympic Activity Challenge for kids.
Olympic Education: The International Olympic Committee’s Olympic Education website provides educational materials, lesson plans, and activities tailored for children.
Paralympic Games: Visit the Paralympic Games website for information about the Paralympic athletes, sports, and inspirational stories.

Fun Fact: Our President’s Olympic Legacy

Did you know that Teachers on Call's President, Joanne Sallay, was an Olympic Torchbearer for the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympic Games? Her experience symbolizes the camaraderie and community spirit that the Olympics foster, as people come together to cheer for their teams and celebrate shared values.

The Torch Relay: A Lesson in Geography and History

The Olympic Torch Relay is a fantastic starting point for engaging your kids. Explain the origins of the relay, which dates back to ancient Greece, and how it symbolizes peace, unity, and friendship. With Paris as the host city, there’s even more to explore:

Map Out the Route: Track the torch’s journey on a world map, teaching geography along the way. Identify countries, capitals, and notable landmarks. Highlight the path through France and its regions.
Historical Context: Discuss the history of the Olympic Games, touching on ancient Greek traditions, the revival in 1896, and the significance of Paris as a host city.
Cultural Exploration: Learn about the countries the torch passes through, including their cultures, languages, and traditions. Discuss the rich history of France and its contributions to global culture.

The Opening Ceremony: A Celebration of Culture

The Opening Ceremony in Paris is set to be a spectacular event showcasing French culture and global unity. Use this event to:

Cultural Diversity: Highlight the diverse cultures represented by the participating nations. Discuss the different flags, costumes, and performances.
Art and Music: Analyze the artistic elements of the ceremony, such as choreography, music, and visual arts. Explore the French contributions to art and music.
Fashion: This element of the Olympics is always a highlight, with viewers tuning in to see the unique and stylish uniforms worn by athletes from different countries. Many are also interested in learning about the designers behind these distinctive team uniforms, which often reflect cultural heritage and national pride. Fun fact, Canadian athletes will be sporting Lululemon!
Symbolism and Traditions: Explain the symbolism behind the Olympic rings, the oath, and the parade of nations. Canada's flag-bearers for the parade of nations are Toronto’s Andre De Grasse, a six-time Olympic medallist and the reigning men's 200m champion; and weightlifter Maude Charron.

Athletic Competitions: Lessons in Science, Math, and Physical Education

The core of the Olympics lies in the athletic competitions, which provide ample learning opportunities:

Science of Sports: Teach kids about the biomechanics and physics behind different sports. For example, discuss the aerodynamics in cycling or the impact of gravity in gymnastics.
Math in Action: Incorporate math lessons by calculating scores, measuring distances, and comparing statistics. Create fun problems based on event results.
Physical Education: Encourage physical activity by trying out different Olympic sports at home. This promotes a healthy lifestyle and an appreciation for the athletes' hard work.

Human Stories: Character Building and Social Studies

The personal stories of athletes can be inspiring and educational:

Perseverance and Hard Work: Share stories of athletes who have overcome challenges to reach the Olympics. Discuss the values of dedication, resilience, and teamwork.
Global Citizenship: Highlight how athletes from different backgrounds come together in the spirit of friendly competition. Discuss the importance of respect, empathy, and global citizenship.
Role Models: Identify athletes from the 337 members of Team Canada, who are positive role models and discuss what qualities make them admirable.

The Closing Ceremony: Reflecting on Achievements and Looking Forward

The Closing Ceremony marks the end of the Olympic Games and provides a moment to reflect and celebrate:

Reflection: Review the highlights of the Olympics with your kids. Discuss their favorite moments and what they learned.
Achievement: Celebrate the accomplishments of the athletes, emphasizing the importance of effort and participation, not just winning.
Looking Forward: Encourage kids to set their own goals, whether in sports, academics, or other areas of interest. Discuss the next Olympic Games and what they look forward to seeing: Milan–Cortina d'Ampezzo for the 2026 Winter Olympics and Los Angeles for the 2028 Summer Olympics.

Character Building Through the Paralympic Games

Following the Olympics is the Paralympics, where over 4,000 athletes from around the world will be competing in Para sports. The Paralympic Games are a powerful example of inclusion, determination, and human spirit. Use these games to teach valuable character lessons:

Inclusion and Diversity: Highlight the importance of inclusivity and the diverse abilities of athletes. Discuss how different adaptations allow athletes to compete.
Perseverance: Share stories of Paralympic athletes who have overcome significant challenges. Discuss the values of resilience, adaptability, and perseverance.
Role Models: Identify Paralympians like Edmonton, Alberta’s Zak Madell and Ottawa, Ontario’s Amy Burk (hometown of Charlottetown, PEI), and discuss their abilities to overcome significant challenges.

Interactive Activities

To make the experience even more engaging, consider the following Olympic-themed activities:

Create an Olympic Journal: Have your kids keep a journal throughout the Olympics, noting down interesting facts, their favorite events, and what they learned each day.
Host a Mini Olympics: Organize a mini-Olympics at home or in your neighborhood. This can include simple events like races, long jumps, and obstacle courses.
Cultural Crafts: Make crafts inspired by different countries. This could include making flags, traditional costumes, or Olympic-themed decorations.

Incorporating Canadian Education

As Canadians, we can infuse national pride and educational learnings into this Olympic experience:

Canadian Athletes: Follow and support Canadian athletes. Research their backgrounds and achievements, and discuss what it means to represent Canada on the global stage.
Bilingualism: Use the bilingual nature of the Olympics and Canada to practice both English and French. Watch events in both languages and discuss new vocabulary.
French Language Programs: Encourage students in Core, Extended, and Immersion French programs to use this opportunity to enhance their language skills and practice French. Have them watch events with French commentary, learn sports-related vocabulary, and write summaries or reflections in French.

Watching the Paris 2024 Summer Olympics and Paralympic Games with your kids can be a rewarding and educational experience that goes beyond sports. By incorporating lessons in geography, history, science, math, physical education, and character building, you can create a rich, multifaceted learning experience. The Olympics are a perfect occasion to inspire curiosity, learning, and fun. Go Team Canada! Happy watching!