Crafts for Kids: Olympic Wreath

Photo: uhuru1701 on Flickr

The Olympics are just around the corner. Are your kids getting excited for the Games? The Olympics are bound to inspire your family to hit the ice skating rink, sledding hill, and ski slopes (and when I say 'hit,' I sincerely hope it's not on your backside). Not only are the Olympics a great way to get your family more active, they're also a perfect learning opportunity.

Activity Village has a fun activity that you can adjust to suit any age. Using images of flags from different countries, your kids can make an Olympic wreath of their handprints. Here's the how to:

1. Print, color or draw flags on white cardstock. For youngest kids, you can use these printable flags. Older kids can research flag designs and either color flags or draw them freehand.
2. Take some time to locate each country on a map. Older kids can research and learn some basic facts about each country.
3. Have the kids trace their hands over the flags and cut them out.
4. Overlap the handprint cut outs and make a wreath. (Palm side in toward the center of the wreath.)
5. While watching the Olympics, when a country represented in your wreath is mentioned, have your kids go to the wreath and locate the country's flag. It's also a good time to reinforce the geography lesson and relocate the country on the map.
   

Be sure to check out AmeriKid for plenty of American-made toys that prove learning can be fun.

Do you have any other Olympic-themed crafts, activities or traditions planned with your family? Share your ideas in the comments.