Olympic Movement Story

Connecting reading comprehension to physical movement creates embodied learning experiences.

Objectives

Materials

Instructions

Select a storybook that celebrates movement, physical activity, or sports—titles featuring characters who run, jump, dance, or play work beautifully. Prepare your reading space with comfortable seating that can quickly transition to open movement space. Gather pictures of Olympic athletes in action alongside photos of children being active in everyday ways.

Begin by building schema: 'Today we're going to read a story about moving our bodies. Before we start, let's think about how Olympic athletes move.' Show athlete photos and discuss the various ways they move: swimmers swooshing through water, runners sprinting on tracks, gymnasts leaping through air. Then show photos of children: 'Look! Children move in amazing ways too!'

Read the story with animation and expression, pausing at key moments to connect to Olympic themes: 'This character is jumping so high! That reminds me of Olympic high jumpers. Have you ever jumped as high as you could?' These connections build comprehension while maintaining narrative flow.

After reading, facilitate a discussion about the story's events and characters: 'What did the character do in the beginning? What happened next? How did the character feel about moving?' Guide children to identify their favourite parts and explain their choices.

Transition to the movement portion by asking: 'Now that we've heard how the story character moves, what are other ways WE could move like Olympic athletes?' Brainstorm together, creating a class list. Then find open space and bring the learning to life.

Call out Olympic movements while children respond physically: 'Let's swim like Olympic swimmers! Now sprint like track runners! Jump like long jumpers! Ski down the mountain! Skate across the ice!' Vary tempo and style, connecting each movement to its Olympic sport.

Conclude by returning to calm, discussing what movements felt challenging, exciting, or fun. Ask children to share one new movement idea they'd like to try, reinforcing both the story content and the Olympic connection.

Educator tip

Name Olympic sports as you call out movements: 'Let's swim like Olympic swimmers!' 'Now sprint to the finish line!' This connects literacy learning to Olympic knowledge.

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 student's listening skills, relevant participation during discussion, and ability to move according to directions.

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