Right now, all the way across the globe, the 2022 Winter Olympic Games are taking place in Beijing, China.  Hundreds of athletes from almost 100 countries around the world are competing in many different winter sports like skiing, figure skating, and hockey, among others.   If you catch any of the events, as we’ve been discussing in class this week, you may be able to learn more about some of the things we discover together in Language Workshop.  Use the links below to explore more at home if you like!

If you watch the Games, you will very likely see many different flags representing different nations of the world.  Where do you see them?  Why are they there?  What flags do you recognize?  Which ones are new for you?

You will also likely hear different languages during the announcements, written on the screen, or maybe being spoken between the competitors and their coaches.  Which languages do you hear?  Why do you think those are the languages that are being used?

You might also see the official mascot of the Olympics, Bing Dwen Dwen.  Do you know what his name means in Mandarin Chinese?  What kind of animal is he?  What does he represent?

In your Language Workshop class this week, I will be giving everyone a *copy of an optional scavenger hunt of the flags and languages of the Olympics.  You are welcome to do this at home if you like, and if you so choose, you may bring it back into your classroom for us to share during our next Language Workshop class together.

In case you need it, here are electronic versions of the scavenger hunt for:

Kindergarten & 1st Grade, with a letter giving information about the activities

2nd Grade, and a similar accompanying letter

*Pre-K students did not get a copy, but they are most welcome to complete and share one if they would like!

Can’t wait to see what you find in your scavenger hunt!  Have fun!