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THE OLYMPICS: HISTORY
THE OLYMPICS is a four-book series that gets behind the scenes at the world’s greatest
sporting spectacle. In The Olympics: History travel back to ancient Greece where the Olympics
began, and learn about the modern Olympics since their revival in 1896. For the facts behind
the headlines, read The Olympics: Scandals . For fascinating facts and stats about the events
go to The Olympics: Events , and wonder at the record-breakers in The Olympics: Records .
Worksheets
There are two photocopiable worksheets, a page from the book and a printable pictogram
guide to the London 2012 Olympics for children to complete. They stand alone, but using
them in conjunction with the book will offer a more complete learning experience.
The ancient Greek Olympics activity sheet develops children’s historical imagination
and stretches their writing skills. In addition it practises letter-writing and research skills.
Use the photocopiable page from the book to help them get started. The BBC and the British
Museum have informative websites for further research about the ancient Olympics.
The activity sheet relating to Olympic posters develops design and art skills,
whilst challenging children to think about the idea of symbols and how they are
used in design. Posters for the London 1948 Olympics and the Rome 1960 Olympics
are reproduced in the book. Many more examples are freely available on the Internet.
The pictogram guide lists all 26 official Olympic sports for London 2012 and gives
a brief explanation of each. By completing the activity children will have a useful
explanatory guide to the Summer Olympics. This activity could be adapted to learn
about the sports included in the Winter Games or the Paralympics
Learning objectives
To develop imaginative writing skills and letter-writing skills.
To develop the historical imagination.
To develop design and art skills.
To record, select and organise historical information.
Titles in the series:
Click on the PICTURE below for more information
THE OLYMPICS: HISTORY
published by Franklin Watts © Franklin Watts 2011
www.franklinwatts.co.uk
Name: Date:
ANCIENT GREEK GAMES
Imagine you have been chosen to represent your city state at the ancient Greek Olympics.
Write a letter to a friend telling them how you feel and which event you will compete in.
The events at the ancient Olympics included running races, long jump, discus, javelin, boxing,
wrestling and chariot-racing. Read the following page taken from The Olympics: History to
start off your research. You could include a sketch of you in training for your event.
THE OLYMPICS: HISTORY
published by Franklin Watts © Franklin Watts 2011
www.franklinwatts.co.uk
THE OLYMPICS: HISTORY
published by Franklin Watts © Franklin Watts 2011
www.franklinwatts.co.uk
Name: Date:
OLYMPIC POSTER
Since 1896, when the modern Olympic Games began, top designers have created
many striking posters for the Games. Use the Internet to look at some of them. Now
think up a design for a summer or winter Olympic Games or a Paralympic Games.
Most of the posters include the Olympic rings or other Olympic symbols,
such as the dove of peace, the torch or the olive wreath. Others use images
that represent the host city or country. Decide where your Olympic Games
will be held and think of some images that are linked to that city.
THE OLYMPICS: HISTORY
published by Franklin Watts © Franklin Watts 2011
www.franklinwatts.co.uk
Name: Date:
Pictogram guide to the 2012 Olympics
The sports included at each Olympic Games are agreed by the International
Olympic Committee. There are 26 different sports at the Summer Games in
London, 2012. Each one is represented by its own pictogram. Design your own
pictograms or reproduce the official pictograms in the boxes provided.
Aquatics – diving,
swimming,
water polo and
synchronised
swimming events.
Athletics – track
and field events
including running,
long and high jump,
discus and javelin.
Archery – shooting
at targets with a
bow and arrows.
Badminton –
sport using rackets
to hit a shuttlecock
back and forth on
a court.
Basketball – team sport played on an indoor court.
Boxing – a fight between two boxers, with strict rules.
Canoe and kayak – sprint and slalom events.
Cycling – BMX, road, track and mountain bike events.
Equestrian – horse-riding events.
Fencing – duel between opponents using fencing swords.
Football – team sport played on a football pitch.
Gymnastics – events using equipment, such as a bar, trampoline or rings, as well as floor exercises.
Handball – team sport played on an indoor court.
Hockey – team sport played with hockey sticks on a hockey pitch.
Judo – martial art.
Modern pentathlon – pistol shooting, fencing, swimming, horse-riding and running competition.
Rowing – team and individual rowing events.
Sailing – one and two person sailing events, and windsurfing.
Shooting – shooting at targets using rifles and pistols.
Table tennis – sport using bats to hit a light ball across a net on a table tennis table.
Taekwondo – martial art.
Tennis – sport using rackets to hit a tennis ball back and forth on a court.
Triathlon – swimming, running and cycling competition.
Volleyball – team sport played on a court. Includes beach volleyball.
Weightlifting – contest to lift heavy weights attached to a bar.
Wrestling – contest where opponents aim to hold each other on the ground.
THE OLYMPICS: HISTORY
published by Franklin Watts © Franklin Watts 2011
www.franklinwatts.co.uk