Lessons from The Olympics (@sguditus Steve Guditus)

The Olympics is such a great event for so many reasons...but as an educator, I can't help but view the events unfolding in front of me through the lens of "how is this an authentic way to teach students?"  Though this list is in no way comprehensive, The 2014 Sochi Olympics has provided several great ways to teach our students.  A few lessons to learn from the Sochi Olympics:

  1. Be courageous.  Hopeful to medal after winning the US Championships a month prior, Jeremy Abbott crashed to ice in his short men's ice skating program, within just 10 seconds of starting.  What he did next said more about his character than the performance itself: he stood up, and continued skating.  And he went on to skate one heck of a performance.  Jeremy Abbott might not have medaled, but he demonstrated picking oneself up after falling.  To read more: http://es.pn/1fiqMvL 
  2. Be determined.  Charlie White and Meryl Davis, the American Ice Dancing Team that won gold, have been working together for 17 years.  17 years!  Success doesn't come overnight - it takes consistency, determination, hard work, and longevity.  To read more: http://on.mash.to/Oclto8
  3. Stay positive.  Noelle Pikus-Pace overcame multiple obstacles in her Skeleton racing career, including a multiple broken bones, personal struggles, quitting and then returning to the sport.  Her path to success?  Stay positive no matter what, and focus your energy on achieving your goal. To read more: http://bit.ly/Ocmg8B
  4. Persevere.  Swiss skier Dominique Gisin has been through nine knee surgeries - and despite this ongoing threat of further injury, she pushed herself to gold - sharing it with Slovenian Tina Maze.  To read more: http://bit.ly/1fAWnp1

What great authentic opportunities to teach students how to succeed, win, and persevere!

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