Summer Games Reading Comprehension Passages for Summer Olympics 2024

The summer games for 2024 are right around the corner! Are you looking for a way to incorporate the Paris Summer Olympics into your classroom? Start with these reading comprehension activities that compare and contrast the ancient games to the modern games! In this resource, students will practice important reading comprehension skills, use context clues to find the meaning of vocabulary words, and compare and contrast the ancient and modern games using graphic organizers. Easily use these two no prep, ready-to-go activities to introduce your students to the history of the world games! 

Perfect for both the summer and winter games!

With this high-interest and engaging resource, your students will learn all about the ancient and modern world games for both the summer and winter events. They will easily be able to compare and contrast the similarities and differences between the two.

Included in this download:

• 2 Reading Comprehension Passages
• Vocabulary Quizzes
• Open-Ended and Multiple Choice Questions
• Compare & Contrast Graphic Organizer
• Venn-Diagram
• TpT Easel Activity Digital Option
• Answer Keys

Get 2 lessons in 1!

• Detailed background information for both the ancient and modern world games is presented to students in two different reading comprehension passages.
• Both passages include a vocabulary quiz and reading comprehension questions in a multiple-choice and open-ended format.

Part 1: The Real Story of the Ancient Games

This passage introduces students to the history of the ancient games and how they started in Greece over 3000 years ago. It includes a description of the location, requirements, events, and award ceremony at that time in history. This passage also explains why the games were abolished and banned after 12 centuries. 

• A vocabulary quiz and reading comprehension questions are included.

Part 2: The Evolution of the Modern Games

This passage continues the story of the games and how they were revived in 1896. Students will learn how the summer and winter games came to be and they continue to this day. It includes a description of the flag, flame, events, award ceremony, and how cities around the world are chosen to host the games. 

• A vocabulary quiz and reading comprehension questions are included.

Compare and Contrast

Students can easily use the graphic organizers to compare and contrast the ancient games and the modern games. 

• A chart is included to compare and contrast the settings, participants, events, and award ceremonies for the ancient games and modern games.
• A Venn diagram is also included for students to use while comparing and contrasting the ancient and modern games.

⭐ Print and go or assign digitally! These printable activities are also included in a digital format created for TpT Easel Digital Activities.

These activities are perfect for:

• whole group instruction
• small groups
• independent desk work
• test prep
• literacy centers
• assessments
• homework
• early finishers
• tutoring
• sub plans, and so much more!

The best part?

Your students will quickly become engaged and excited to watch the summer or winter games! It’s the perfect opportunity to teach your students about the history of the games while also practicing important reading comprehension skills. Plus, this resource can be used with both the summer and winter games! It’s a win-win!

Teachers like you said…

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ I absolutely loved everything about this purchase! We learned so much about the Olympics and had a great time doing it! Thank you so much for creating an outstanding product! - Michelle M.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ My students and I had a great time using this resource in a summer school setting the week prior to the Olympics! It was a good opportunity to teach them the history and keep them engaged while practicing their reading and comprehension skills. The current games part was a great anticipatory set for engaging them into watching the Summer Olympics while practicing those same skills! A great resource! - Erica L.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ What a fun resource to get students excited about reading, comprehension, and writing skills by revisiting the Olympic games with activities for intermediate grades! - Amber S.

In this one convenient resource, you can…

• have ready-to-go activities that will help your students master reading comprehension skills while also learning about the history of the summer and winter games.
• use these pre-made activities as sub plans when you need to take a day (or week) off!
• print and go or assign digitally through the TpT Digital Easel Tool - includes everything you need to teach the history of the games while incorporating reading skills!