A bulletin board introduces the sports theme and provides a themed decoration for the classroom. An all-star sports theme is simple to achieve. Cut out a star for each child and write a name on each star. Hang a sports-themed picture created by each student. Place the star next to the artwork. A heading such as "(Teacher's Name)'s All Stars" finishes off the display.
The sports theme works with a dramatic play area in the early childhood classroom. Dramatic play allows kids to take on the role of athletes. Include a variety of sports uniforms such as football jerseys, basketball uniforms and tennis shoes. Add sporting goods as props. In addition to balls for various sports, include items such as tennis rackets, baseball mitts, kids' baseball bats and kids' golf clubs. Establish rules for using the sporting equipment to ensure the safety of all of the students.
A classroom Olympics day allows the kids to participate in sporting events that are appropriate for their age. Create your schedule of events such as a ball toss, relay race, obstacle course, low balance beam and beach ball volleyball. Decide if all kids will participate in all of the events or if you will assign the kids to specific events. Make medals for the kids ensuring that all of the students get one. Hold a medal ceremony where the students are presented with their medals.
Lacing cards are ideal for improving fine motor skills at the early childhood level. The cards are easy to make yourself. Craft foam or sturdy cardboard works well as the base for the cards. Cut the material into the shape of balls or other sporting equipment. Punch holes around the edge of the shape about an inch apart. Tie a shoe lace or length of yarn to one of the holes. The kids weave the string in and out of the holes around the perimeter of the sports shapes.
Balls provide a different tool for painting crafts. Place a piece of paper in the bottom of a shallow box. Dip a small ball such as a marble, golf ball or ping-pong ball in paint. Place it in the box and roll it around on top of the paper. The ball makes a pattern on the paper with the paint. Display the pictures or cut them into different shapes to create other art projects.