What Are the Winter Olympics? (What Was?)
What was...? Series
What’s inside...
Grab your skis, ice skates, and snowboard and learn how the Winter Olympic Games became a worldwide phenomenal event watched by millions. Although fans the world over have been fascinated by the modern Summer Olympics since 1896, the Winter Olympics didn't officially begin until 1924. The event celebrates cold-weather sports, displaying the talents of skiers, ice skaters, hockey players, and, most recently, snowboarding. Like its summer counterpart, the Winter Games are dedicated to bringing together the world's top athletes to honor their talents and see who gets to stand on the medal podium. Gail Herman covers it all in a wonderful read--the highs, such as the 1980 US hockey team's unexpected gold medal grab, as well as the lows, including the Tonya Harding-Nancy Kerrigan figure-skating scandal in 1994. Includes 80 black-and-white illustrations and a 16-page photo insert.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
8-12
Length
112 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What are some of the sports featured in the Winter Olympics, and which one would you like to try?
Why do you think countries from all over the world come together to compete in the Olympics?
What does it take to become an Olympic athlete?
How do you think hosting the Winter Olympics might affect a city?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start the conversation by sharing your own favorite Winter Olympic sport or a memorable Olympic moment. Encourage your child to think about the dedication and practice needed for athletes to reach the Olympics. Discuss the values of teamwork, perseverance, and cultural exchange that the Olympics promote. Use a world map to locate different countries that participate in the Winter Olympics to add a geographical twist to the learning experience.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Importance of Teamwork
Explanation: The book details how athletes from around the world come together to compete, emphasizing collaboration and teamwork in sports like hockey and bobsledding.
Real-World Application: Children can apply these principles on the playground or in group projects, learning to collaborate and respect their peers to achieve common goals.
Example Lesson: Dedication and Hard Work
Explanation: Athletes’ stories of preparation for the Olympics serve as examples of how dedication and persistent effort lead to success.
Real-World Application: Kids can learn the value of perseverance in their studies, hobbies, or sports, understanding that success often comes from continuous effort and determination.
Example Lesson: Cultural Diversity
Explanation: The book introduces children to athletes from various countries, highlighting the diversity of participants and the global nature of the Olympics.
Real-World Application: This can teach children to appreciate and respect different cultures and backgrounds, enhancing social harmony in diverse settings like school.
Example Lesson: History and Importance of the Olympics
Explanation: The narrative covers the origin and the historical significance of the Winter Olympics, educating children on important global traditions.
Real-World Application: This lesson can help children understand and respect international traditions and how they play a role in fostering global unity.
Example Lesson: Winning and Losing Graciously
Explanation: The book showcases moments of triumph and defeat, emphasizing how athletes handle both outcomes gracefully.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to handle their own successes and setbacks with grace, whether it's in academics, sports, or personal relationships.