The ancient Olympians were awarded an olive tree wreath crown to symbolize winning games and events. Modern Olympic athletes are given gold, silver or bronze medals. This article includes simple how-to steps for creating an Olympic inspired medal with children.
Olympic Medals
It may be helpful to discuss Olympic medals before beginning this craft activity. Websites such as Vancouver 2010 or Olympic.org contain detailed information and statistics. Look for medal history, countries who have won, winning athletes, and medal design.
It is also important for the child making this craft to see a picture of a medal. This will help to guide him or her through the design process.
Materials Needed to Create an Olympic Medal Craft
Parents should help children to gather these basic materials prior to starting this activity.
- Cardboard (reuse a side of an old cereal, show, or moving box)
- Scissors
- Hole punch
- Glue stick
- Foil Markers (permanent)
- Ribbon
- Pencil
- Optional: Paint and paint brush, tape
Steps to Creating a Medal With Kids
- Draw a circle onto the cardboard using a pencil. Try tracing an upside down cup for a neater deign.
- Tear or cut a square of foil. This will be wrapped around the circle, therefore it is best to size the foil based on the cut cardboard shape. Regular household foil wrap can be used to create a silver medal. Craft and art supply stores may sell colored foil for a gold or bronze medal.
- Cover one side of the cardboard circle with glue using a glue stick. Press the foil onto the glue. Turn the circle over and coat the other side with glue. Wrap the foil around the circle and press down firmly. Use a hole a punch to create a hole at the top of the foil circle.
- Optional: Use metallic gold or bronze paint to change the color of the medal. Make sure that the paint is non-toxic and rated for children of an appropriate age. Older children can use tempera paint and a brush, while younger kids may want to use finger paints and their own hands. Paint one side, and then set aside to dry. Once fully dry, flip the circle over and paint the other side.
- Markers can be used to decorate the medal. Add a number one, two, or three or other design. Permanent markers work best, but may not be suitable for young children. If the child is using washable markers, test for smearing. The color may transfer onto hands, clothes, or furniture.
- Thread a thick piece of ribbon through the hole and tie. The ribbon should be long enough to easily fit over the child’s head. Special caution should be taken with younger children and ribbon use. To avoid a strangulation hazard, children under grade school age should not have ribbon (or other similar product). Instead skip the ribbon step, and use a tape loop (placed on the back of the medal) to attach the medal to the child’s shirt.
All children (no matter what their age) should always be supervised by a responsible adult while creating, wearing, and playing with this medal craft. If the child is moving, twisting or wrapping the ribbon around his or her neck, remove it right away. Cut the ribbon off, and use without it.
Older children can proudly wear their medals after a backyard Olympics, and younger kids can display their artistic creations by taping the medal to their shirt or hanging it on a wall. Use this winter games inspired craft during a mock Olympic ceremony or simply as part of pretend play.
Source:
Olympic.org. Ancient Olympic Games (retrieved electronically January 17, 2010).
Erica Loop - I am a mother and a professional Arts Educator, teaching visual arts programs to children ages three and up in both museum and school ...
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