[vkeri76]

I was thinking of having a math olympics for my second grade class. Problem being is last month I had a spelling bee where two children went to the board at a time and had to write the word down, this was so everyone would get points, 1 point for spelling it right, and one for spelling it first! ( I was trying to do the rigth thing) When children weren't getting the answer the quickest it turned into a pouting fetival. Some of these children were so upset they didn't even want tp cintinue, I even reinforced that they should be pround that they spelled the word correctly!! anyway does anyone have any suggestions how I can have this math olympics without making it to competitive?? Of course I will give everyone a gold medal, I really mean the entire process?? THanks

[dee]

Kids will pout, so reduce the "losing face" that can happen.

Make packets that children can do on their own. I adhere to the "fast isn't your best" policy since we have a problem with that throughout the grades. First usually means they have not double checked their work or reviewed their answers!

With the packet, give "medals" depending upon the % correct. Whatever you decide. Remember to let them know that even to make it to the Olympics is an honor! Even adults get caught up in the medal count and forget that to even make the Olympic teams, the athletes have already been the best many times.

You can do one packet with % correct, or do a Bronze level packet, a Silver level packet, and a Gold level packet that they can work towards as they complete each one.

You can also differentiate the packets so that the math geniuses are on the same playing field as those students who are not as advanced in their skills.

Good Luck!