Supporting children during Sports Day

Supporting children during Sports Day 

For some children this might just be their favourite event of the year!  

For others, it’s just another day, playing with their friends but maybe with a bit more exercise than normal. 

And for some, Sports Day will be tough. Really tough. 

Let’s be honest, for a lot of teachers, this day is pretty tough too. 

Sports Day can be great! There is always an exciting atmosphere and lots of anticipation, but underneath all that excitement, there is also: Activities to arrange and resource, the children to keep in check and parents – not just any parents, but today you will have competitive parents! On top of all of that, you will need to look as though you are having an absolutely wonderful time! Hooray!  

So, juggling all of that is hard but then you add into the mix that it is very likely that you will have a proportion of children who find it incredibly hard to regulate themselves if they don’t win, or if they find an activity challenging, sensory overload or if there isn’t anyone there to support them or cheer them on.   

So, although we cannot wave a magic wand and make this a totally stress-free, magical event and day for you, we have got a few ideas that will help you to support children that are struggling. 

1. Prepare beforehand 

For some children, this might be their first ever Sports Day so by knowing what to expect you remove some of the children’s fears and anxieties. It’s also a great idea to have practised the different types of races or activities beforehand so that they know exactly what to do, where to stand and how it all works. 

Use your visual timetables on the day to clearly show when Sports Day will start and what will happen. If you have children that access Now and Next boards, have you got the appropriate pictures or symbols that they will need to understand the process? 

2. Provide a wide range of activities 

In our Sports Day Activities resource, we’ve compiled a great selection and variety of activities for the day. We’ve considered aim, balance, speed, agility and most of all fun to create ideas for Sports Day to suit all children. Something for everyone! 

3. Affirmations 

Affirmations are a great way to encourage positivity and motivation. Winning is super exciting and that joy and sense of achievement should definitely be celebrated. Let’s not forget, Sports Day can often be that day of the year when certain children, who are not necessarily the strongest academically, get to really shine.  

Additionally, we can also really celebrate other aspects of the day such as celebrating our bodies and what they are able to do, as well as our effort and ability to support and celebrate our friends achievements. 

Some affirmation that could try with your children could include: 

My body can do great things! 

I will enjoy being with my friends today! 

I can be happy for others!  

I will cheer for my team! 

4. Create a Support Space 

If you are able to, create a supervised area that includes calming items such as sensory items, blankets, well known stories, building blocks and drawing and colouring resources. You could also consider headphones and soothing music. If you have weighted items such as weighted cuddly toys or blankets these may be useful too. Try to encourage them to join back in when they have regulated themselves or pick an upcoming event that they will want to join in.  

If you can, try to notice which children don’t have anyone there to cheer them on and be their cheer person. This can make such a difference. 

5. Communication on the day 

Celebrate and praise not just children’s sporting successes but also make a point of noticing children who cheer others on and who show great team spirit and positivity.  

Give recognition and praise to children who achieve personal success as well as the winners. 

Here are some simple examples: 

‘That is the fastest I have ever seen you run!’  

‘I didn’t realise you could throw as far as that!’ 

‘I saw how much effort you put into your race, you must be so proud of yourself!’ 

‘Your aim is amazing!’ 

Finally, Cheers and Tears 

Accept that on Sports Day you will probably have some highs and maybe a couple of lows and that is the nature of it. There might be tears but there will also most definitely be cheers! It is all part of the learning experience and competition is most definitely a part of life. 

Aim to look for all the positives, you are providing the children with new and fun experiences. You’ll have also given them some really fun activities to try (especially if you’ve used our handy guide).   

Reflect afterwards with the children.  

What made them feel good about the day? How did it feel to hear others cheering for them? Which was their favourite activity?  

We hope you have found this article useful!  

We wish you all a very successful Sports Day! 


Images: Freepik and istock