First Olympic Games Lesson Plans

Students read and discuss "When the Games Began: Olympic Archaeology," examining the significance of the first Olympic Games in Greece. They research and reenact scenes from these Games and reflect on the Games' original importance.

Learners research the history of Olympic games in order to better explain the modern day games. They write an essay based on the research.

Students complete activities with Ask Magazine September 2008. In this reading comprehension lesson, students read articles about the Food Chain, First Olympics, Science of Smiling, Bees, and more. They answer comprehension questions, write a report, and discuss the articles. 

Third graders examine the impact of the ancient olympic games in ancient Greece. They identify their influence on the sports of today as well. They discover the types of events and prizes given at the first Olympics.

Students are given a handout, "The Olympic Principles and Traditions." They read the handout and discuss how the principles and traditions relate to the Olympic Games today. Students complete a map of ancient Greece, identifying key locations in the story of the ancient Olympic Games. They analyze the contributions of ancient Greek society in helping to establish the foundations of the ancient Olympic Games.

Sixth graders compare the Ancient Olympic Games and the Modern Olympic Games to recognize how people use ideas from the past to enrich the present.

Pupils engage in research in order to establish a context for comprehending the historical event of the Olympic Games being held in China. They use the internet and other resources to find information.

First graders research the history of toys and games. In this toys and games lesson plan, 1st graders read books and look at paintings from the past and discuss the toys and games that were played. Then they paint themselves playing a game or with a toy.

Sixth graders explore world history by utilizing a SMART board. In this Greek history lesson, 6th graders read different Ancient Greece scenarios and match them with a selection from a list of probable outcomes. Students identify Mt. Vesuvius, the first Olympics and Rome while completing the lesson.

Students study about famous Olympic athletes. They are introduced to a few that have earned gold medals to encourage interest. Students read to find out more about them to become with more equally famous Olympic Games stars.