Once a week we will be featuring a fun and/or educational activity you can try at home or in the classroom. This week we're going to share fun kid-sized Olympic sports you can create and play at home or in class.
Hammer Throw
Materials: Small paper bag, newspaper, 12" string
Stuff newspaper into a small paper bag and tie off with the string. Hold the end of the string and spin he bag around 3 times; Let go. Record how far the hammer travels; longest distance wins.
Javelin Throw
Materials: 4 soda straws, waste paper basket, tape
Tape the straws together end to end. Mark a line behind which all players must stand. Place a wastepaper basket five feet from the starting line. Players throw the straws into the wastebasket. Each player gets five turns. Whoever gets the most straws in the basket wins.
Standing Broad Stretch
Materials: Tape
Mark a line with tape that players must stand with toes behind to start. Players take one giant step; longest step wins.
Shot Put for Distance
Materials: Aluminum foil
Make a ball out of aluminum foil. Hold the ball in the palm of one hand; place that hand next to your ear and then push the shot into the air extending your arms. Do not move your feet. Record distances; the longest distance wins.
Discus Throw
Materials: Frisbee or tape and two heavy paper plates
Use a Frisbee or tape two heavy paper plates together. Hold the "discus" like a flying disk. Throw away from the waist. Record distances; longest distance wins.
And of course, when you are done, don't forget to recycle the materials you used.
For more Olympic activities, go to kidactivities.net. To learn more about Heifer International and its work around the world, check out the In Context series on the Heifer blog.
