A guide for using our resources

Children will meet 10-year-old Mazel Paris Alegado, an Olympics hopeful, and identify what it takes to get to the Olympics.

Vocabulary: Summer Olympics, wipe out, athletes

Social Studies Focus: the Olympics

CCSS (and states that have similar standards): RL.1.1 key details; RF.1.2 blends; W.1.2 writing; RI.1.10 read and discuss first-grade texts; SL.1.2 ask and answer questions

Simple, spectacular ideas to boost your lessons.

• The simple text encourages big conversations about how it feels to try something new, and the power of supportive friends.

• Go on a blends hunt! Ask students to underline all words that begin with sk- . Then have them use a different color marker or crayon to underline words beginning with tr- .

Skill: relationship skills

Materials: Medal Template printable, pencils, crayons, hole puncher, yarn or ribbon

• Mazel is working toward the Olympics and might earn a medal one day! Kids can celebrate their classmates’ achievements this year by creating their own medals.
• You can print the Medal Template on yellow or gold paper, or have kids color them.
• Pair up kids and have each make a medal for the other! Help brainstorm ideas, such as “being a good friend,” “learning to write stories,” and so on. Then punch a hole and thread with yarn or ribbon.
• Last, have a ceremony by placing children’s medals around their necks and announcing what they “won” them for!