BrandenburgStudies

If you are like our family, you have been glued to the TV watching various Olympic events. And depending on you television company (Dish, Satellite, or cable) your viewing options are somewhat limited. So before I go any further, I want you to be sure to check out our "FREEBIES" page for some incredible apps that will allow you to watch live streaming video (in full HD) and chose which sporting event you wish.

Next, I want to ask if any of you are taking this golden opportunity to teach your children the names and abbreviations of the countries, their flags, their locations on a map or globe, as well as keeping a chart of which country is "medaling" in which event, etc. We have used the Olympics in the past for just those things -- so much fun that the kids don't realize how much they are learning and retaining. Take a little time each day to have your own Olympic knowledge competition between the siblings (and maybe even the neighborhood kids). Another great idea is to hold your own "backyard Olympics" with prizes. Look for opportunities to teach your children honesty, sportsmanship, kindness, hard work, perseverance, and more. Finally, use the Olympic competition to teach your children to respect and honor the American flag, and the country it stands for.

Let's enjoy the 2012 Summer Olympics and "use" this opportunity to bring learning home in a practical way.