Fair Play Olympics
Games provide natural opportunities to practise fair play, good sportsmanship, and the character it takes to compete kindly.
- Framework: EYFS
- Unit: EYFS Champions of Character
- Learning area: Physical Development and Motor Skills
- Level: EYFS 3-4
Objectives
- Participate in games while demonstrating fair play
- Handle winning and losing gracefully
- Encourage and support teammates and opponents
Materials
- Various game supplies
- Fair play badges
- Good sport awards
- Team materials
Instructions
Host a 'Fair Play Olympics' with various games and challenges. Before beginning, discuss fair play: 'In our Olympics, how you play is more important than winning! Fair play means following rules, encouraging everyone, and handling winning and losing well.'
Define fair play behaviours: playing by the rules, cheering for everyone, saying 'good game' to opponents, not bragging when winning, not pouting when losing, helping others. Create a Fair Play Pledge that everyone recites together.
Begin with cooperative games where winning requires everyone's participation—this reduces competition pressure while building teamwork.
Progress to mildly competitive games. Pause frequently to notice and name fair play: 'Did you see how Marcus said 'good job' to Sarah even though she beat him? THAT'S what a champion looks like!'
Practise gracious winning and losing language: Winners say, 'Good game! You played hard!' Losers say, 'Congratulations! Maybe I'll win next time!' Role-play these before and after games.
Award Fair Play badges for good sportsmanship, not just winning. Recognise children who encouraged others, followed rules, or handled disappointment well.
Educator tip
Some children struggle intensely with losing. Prepare them privately before competitive games and have a plan for if meltdowns occur. Process afterward: 'Losing felt really bad. What helped you calm down?'
Assessment
Observe and note: ability to follow two-step instructions, use of new vocabulary in context, early problem-solving strategies, and sustained shared thinking episodes. Assess against Development Matters age-band expectations. Observe fair play behaviours during games, gracious winning/losing, and encouragement of others.