The Olympic closing ceremony : promoting and celebrating the hopes and dreams of young children

The 2012 Olympic closing ceremony includes a celebration of achievement, a handover of the Olympic games from one country to the next, and the extinguishing of the Olympic torch.  However, for young children, the end of this year’s Olympics marks just the beginning of their dreams and aspirations. As we consider the celebration at hand, it brings to mind the following two questions…

  • How are you helping the young children in your care achieve their hopes and dreams?
  • And how are you taking the time to celebrate their achievements along the way?
Promoting Hopes and Dreams 
One of the best ways we can promote the hopes and dreams of young children both at home and in our classrooms is to provide the children in our care with interesting opportunities for play, exploration, and discovery. It is through play and exploration that young children discover their own interests which ultimately begins the first steps towards the building of their own hopes and dreams…

 

Over the past several weeks, my fellow bloggers have been sharing ideas that promote play, exploration, and discovery. Each post was in celebration of the Olympics but  these ideas are terrific anytime of the year.   I want to give a recap of just a few of these amazing ideas for you to bookmark and use as you seek fun and simple ideas that foster the hopes and dreams of young children (click on each photo to view the post)

Working as a team in the process of building hopes and dreams…

“Teaching kids the Value of Teamwork” from Train up a Child

Imagining hopes and dreams through dramatic play…

 “Show Jumping Play” by Creative Playhouse

Testing hopes and dreams through sensory play…

“Horsie, Horsie” by The Fairy and the Frog

Developing the skills to accomplish hopes and dreams through eye-hand coordination…

Throwing Straws By Toddler Approved!

Developing the skills to accomplish hopes and dreams through math and measuring games…

“Shooter Game” by Life at the Zoo

Developing an age appropriate understanding of competition through simple play…

“Blowing Fabric Race” by Hands on: As we grow

Developing the creative side of hopes and dreams…

“Cardboard Box Boat” by Here Comes the Girls

“Kid made Olympic Flags” from Kitchen Counter Chronicles

“Fun with Cups” by The Educator’s Spin On It

Building large motor skills to achieve hopes and dreams…

“Long Distance Bike Ride” by JDaniel4’s Mom

Finding balance in the process of achieving hopes and dreams

Move Like a Gymnast” by Creative Family Fun

Staying fit and healthy in the process of achieving hopes and dreams

“Family Fitness” by The Iowa Farmer’s Wife

“10 Movement Games” by AngeliqueFelix.com

Celebrating achievements 

As young children seek to foster their hopes and dreams, they will have small successes along the way.  There are many ways to celebrate the achievements of young children but of course, giving a metal or ribbon for any achievement – no matter how big or small – always puts a smile on one’s face…

“Salt Dough Metals” from Ready, Set, Read

Extinguishing the Torch…
On behalf of the Kid Blogging International Community, I am presenting this closing ceremony blog post as a celebration of all the young children whose light continues to shine under your care. So while the flame of the 2012 Olympic torch goes out, with your commitment to the children in your care, the flame of each child will continue to burn.

18 Days of Child-Centered Fun! 

Handing over the torch to you….

On behalf of all the kid bloggers and myself, thank you for all you do to promote the hopes and dreams of young children around the world.

Continuing the celebration…

Be sure to check out the linky below for all the ideas that were shared during the 2012 Olympic season.  Many of them you will be able to use again and again as you seek to promote the hopes and dreams of young children…

Remember: If you are viewing this post by email or in a reader, you will need to come to the blog post to see the linky but it is worth the trip!!

Deborah J Stewart

Deborah J Stewart

Every time I think I know everything I need to know about teaching young children, God says, "Hold on a minute!" and gives me a new challenge.

Let me tell ya...

With each new challenge that you overcome, you will find yourself better equipped and more passionate about teaching young children.

God didn't call wimps to lead, teach, or care for His children. Nope, he has high expectations, so get ready. You will have to give your very best but after teaching for over 30 years, I can tell you that it is a wonderful and rewarding journey.

Whenever your calling feels hard, just remember, 'He who began a good work in you (and in the children you serve) will be faithful to complete it.'

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