Paris 2024 Olympics

Curriculum Area

Social Sciences
Level: 2-3
Focus: Understanding sports and events on the global stage, with particular emphasis on the Olympics.

Learning Objectives

• Identify and locate Paris, France on a world map.
• Understand the significance of the Olympic Games.
• Recognize some key sports featured in the Olympics.
• Explore the values and traditions of the Olympics.

Resources Needed

• World map or globe
• Short video clip about the Olympics (pre-downloaded)
• Flashcards with different Olympic sports
• Drawing materials (paper, crayons, markers)
• Pictures of the Paris 2024 Olympic mascots

Lesson Structure

Introduction (10 minutes)

1. Greeting and Setting the Scene:

   • Welcome the students and briefly discuss what they know about the Olympics. Ask questions like, "Has anyone heard of the Olympic Games?" and "What do you know about it?"

2. Video Clip:

   • Show a short video clip about the Olympics, ideally focusing on the spirit of the games and the upcoming Paris 2024 Olympics.

3. Locate Paris:

   • Use the world map or globe to show the students where Paris, France is. Explain that it will be the host city for the 2024 Olympics.

Main Activity (20 minutes)

1. Olympic Sports Flashcards (5 minutes):

   • Show the students flashcards with images of different Olympic sports.
   • Briefly describe each sport and ask the students if they have tried any of them or which ones they would like to try.

2. Drawing Activity (10 minutes):

   • Distribute drawing materials.
   • Ask the students to draw themselves participating in an Olympic sport they find interesting.
   • Provide examples or ideas if needed, like swimming, running, or gymnastics.

3. Discussion on Olympic Values (5 minutes):

   • Talk about the Olympic values such as friendship, excellence, and respect.
   • Ask students to share how they can demonstrate these values in their daily lives.

Conclusion (10 minutes)

1. Show and Tell:

   • Allow the students to show their drawings and explain which sport they chose and why.
   • Encourage positive feedback from classmates.

2. Mascot Introduction:

   • Introduce the Paris 2024 Olympic mascots using pictures.
   • Explain the significance of mascots and how they represent the host country’s culture and values.

3. Wrap-Up:

   • Summarize what was learned about the Olympics and the significance of the upcoming Paris 2024 Games.
   • Remind students to think about the Olympic values and how they can apply them.

Additional Notes

• Encourage Participation: Ensure all students are engaged and encourage quieter students to participate.
• Use Age-Appropriate Language: Keep explanations simple and relatable to the students' experiences.
• Interactive and Fun: Maintain a lively and enthusiastic tone to keep the students interested and motivated.

Assessment

• Formative: Observe student engagement during discussions and activities.
• Summative: Collect and review the drawings to assess understanding of Olympic sports and values.

By focusing on interactive and creative activities, this lesson plan aims to educate and inspire Year 3-4 students about the Paris 2024 Olympics, integrating New Zealand's educational standards in an engaging manner.