A few suggestions for Follow on Activities to follow the Olympic Games presentation
1. Children trace / draw a map of Europe on which they mark
- Olympia 776 B.C
- Athens 1896 AD
- London 2012 AD
2. Teacher reads out the description * by Pausanias of the Zeus statue, filling the whole central aisle of the temple and asks class to draw what they see in their mind's eye.
- bearded figure, olive wreath, spear topped by eagle, statue of Nike in right hand, sandals ……
* supplied by email on request
3. Pretend to be the heralds announcing the next Games . What will they say ?
- where and when will the next O.G. take place ?
- what must happen for the next 4 months ?
- which cities will the heralds visit ? show on the map.
Can you provide a musical fanfare for the background ?
4. Various pupils are chosen to represent the victors in the Sprint, the Discus Throwing, the Pankration, the Chariot Race, the Race in full armour, the Boy's Race, the Girls Sprint at the Heraia . Ask them to
- make a speech to thank all those people who have helped them ( who would they be ? ) and to give a pose demonstration of their particular skill ( beware the Pankration winner ! )
- Above all, don't forget to thank and praise Zeus
- Remember to crown these pupils with a Wreath of Olives
5. Class and whole school activities
Children write a play based on the imaginary exploits of a young boy / girl who against all the odds triumphs at Olympia
- Arrival of the heralds in your village / city
- Musical accompaniment : music considered very important to announce the arrival of the heralds There were also contests for heralds and trumpeters
Plea to parents to be allowed to participate
- Training ( in your village and later at Olympia )
- Journey to Olympia with parent / guardian and trainer. How ?
- Weary and noisy arrival at Olympia amidst people from all over the Greek speaking world
- Oath before the judges
- Oiling and powdering of body : tremendous heat
- Fanfare and start of event
- Amazing performance - the best ever - and victory. Cheering of 40.000 people
- Crowning ceremony
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