Summer Olympics Writing Strategies

Looking for an Olympics-themed activity for your English classroom? The closing ceremonies took place over the weekend, but the starting gun has just sounded for the race back to school! What better way to bridge the gap between the Summer Games and the new semester?

If writing was an Olympic sport, what would the training look like?

Students may not consider writing a competitive sport. Just because drafting an essay isn’t exactly high-contact, I’m sure they can relate to the high stress of being able to execute a good performance on paper. This Olympics-themed lesson plan is the perfect way for students to see that you have to train your brain to be successful in writing

Just like athletes, writers need discipline, focus, and a solid game plan to succeed. This assignment is all about helping students see the parallels between the two worlds. By drawing connections between the strategies used by Olympic athletes and the writing process, students can start to understand that becoming a skilled writer takes practice, perseverance, and a winning mindset.

Summer Olympics Lesson Plan Breakdown

In this assignment, students will explore how each sport’s unique demands mirror the different stages of writing, from brainstorming and drafting to revising and editing. Students sort task cards to match a set of specific skills with a Summer Olympic sport. Then, students will explain how that set of skills can also apply to writing. This activity not only makes writing more relatable and engaging, but it also helps students develop a deeper appreciation for the craft. Good writing doesn’t come easy!

 

a picture of a rowing team on the water with the text synergy and cohesion labeling it in the bottom left corner

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

So, why not bring a bit of Olympic spirit into your classroom? This Olympics-themed activity will challenge your students to train like Olympians—well, on the page, maybe not on the track, at least not in English class. Watch as they go for the gold in their writing assignments this year!

Click here for access to this Olympics-themed Activity!

 

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