Introduction to the Olympic Games! Grade Level: fourth grade Time: 30 minutes Materials: The Olympics!

Handout Description of events Handout Map of Olympic grounds handout Sign-Up sheets Large sheet of paper for flag Large sheet of paper for team name Crayons/markers/colored pencils National Council for the Social Studies Standards: Standard One: Social studies programs should include experiences that provide for the study of culture and cultural diversity. Standard Five: Social studies programs should include experiences that provide for the study of interactions among individuals, groups, and institutions. Standard Nine: Social studies programs should include experiences that provide for the study of global connections and interdependence. Student Objectives: 1. Students will design and create a paper flag to represent their class by utilizing a democratic vote and group cooperation. 2. Students will choose a team name and create a banner showing this name by utilizing a democratic vote and group cooperation. 3. Students will compose a team cheer or song by utilizing cooperative group work. Teaching Procedure: Introduction (students=S) (<5 min) 1. Distribute The Olympics! handout. 2. Go through handout to engage S in discussion. 3. Explain to S that we will be having our own Olympics. Development (5 min) 4. Distribute the map of the Olympic grounds and the description of all of the events. 5. As we go through the map, briefly explain each event, referencing the sheet. Tell S that a little later on, they will have an opportunity to sign up for one of the individual activities that they like. 6. Tell S that all of the countries that participate in the Olympics have their own flag and their own team name. Because of this we are going to design a flag and a team name. 7. Ask for volunteers to design flag and banner. Try to divide class evenly, half for flag, half for banner. One teacher will stay with one group, one with the other.

Conclusion (20 min) 1. For the flag group, allow S to suggest colors for the flag and then take a vote by raising hands (with eyes closed) to determine the colors of the flag. Do the same for patterns or symbols on the flag. 2. For the banner group, tell S that they must also have a name for their team, since all countries have a name. Allow S to suggest possible names, and then have a vote by raising hands (with eyes closed). Possible names could include something to do with the teachers name or the room number. 3. Give S about 15 min to work on coloring. 4. While S work, tell them where the sign up sheets for the activities can be located and that they should sign up. 5. If time permits, have S come up with some sort of cheer or song to represent their class to perform at the opening ceremony. 6. Collect sign up sheets and hang up flag and banner, decide on who will carry what (perhaps by class vote or whose birthday is coming) and practice the cheer or song. The students are ready for the opening ceremony!