Free Printables and Unit Studies About Famous Athletes

Sports aren’t for all children, but some kids love them. If your child is into sports, build on their interests with these free printables and unit studies about famous athletes.

Many kids have a passion for sports. Much to our chagrin, that passion could surpass their need to do schoolwork. Maybe that is just my child.

My son, bless his little heart; he loves sports and does NOT love “school.”  I have learned a few ways to help him with his high energy while we homeschool. It has been quite a challenge. Check out how we homeschool with his high energy here.

My son will learn game-play in a second, yet to sit and do a worksheet, things just don’t flow. It took me a while to embrace this.

I was adamant about my son going to college and doing well in school. Maybe he’d become a doctor or something. Well, we learned early on that that may not have been the case for him.

This is his plan: He wants to play rugby for Japan, then come back home and be a bus driver. He won’t be saving lives in a hospital, but I pray he could be turning people to Christ to save souls.

I will take a rugby player and bus driver any day, as long as he follows the Lord.

Why learn about athletes in your homeschool?

Many kids love sports, and of course, our kids should learn with themes they are interested in

However, teaching your kids about athletes is more than just that. Athletes have this confidence and motivation that can be an inspiration to all kids.

Being an athlete takes focus, determination, confidence, grit, faith, strength, hard work, and teamwork. These things are things that our children can glean from as they read about and study athletes.

To motivate your kids even further is learning about which famous athletes were homeschooled as well. Many athletes, including those in the Olympics, are homeschooled because of the flexibility. Check out the Sports Stars Who Were Homeschooled to help further encourage your homeschoolers.

What does God have to do with it?

While you are teaching your children all about athletes and sports, remind them of the athletes and characters in God’s Word that can motivate their journey with the Lord.

You can use the Bible with your child’s interest in sports and athletes. What kids can learn from the Bible and sports combined can build traits to last a lifetime.

Characters in the Bible, like Elijah, Samson, David, Paul, Peter, and Jesus himself, showed abilities to follow God, translating well to being an athlete.

Bible Verses for Athletes

Each of the below can be used to help your athlete at home:

Jesus tells us to prepare our minds for action to have self-control. (1 Peter 1:13–16)

• “…In a race, all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. Therefore I do not run like a man running aimlessly; I do not fight like a man beating the air. No, I beat my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.” (1 Corinthians 9:24–27)

• “…If anyone competes as an athlete, he does not receive the victor’s crown unless he competes according to the rules.” (2 Timothy 2:5)

• “What good is it for a man to gain the whole world, yet forfeit his soul?” (Mark 8)

• “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” Galatians 6:9

• “It is not good to eat too much honey, nor is it honorable to seek one’s own honor.” (Proverbs 25:27)

These scriptures are sufficient and beneficial to use with your children as they play sports and through life, in general.

Teaching kids about athletes is a great time to look into these scriptures with your kids.

Famous Athletes Worksheets and Unit Studies

Explore these free printables and unit studies about famous athletes for kids:

• Michael Jordan Facts & FREE Worksheets | KidsKonnect
• FREE Michael Jordan Coloring Pages | Coloring Home

I can accept failure; everyone fails at something. But I can’t accept not trying again”—Michael Jordan

• Usain Bolt Facts & FREE Worksheets| KidsKonnect

The sky has no limits. Neither should you”—Usain Bolt

• Sports, Spreadsheets and the Big Screen: Learning About Jesse Owens | Techie Homeschool Mom

We all have dreams. In order to make dreams come into reality, it takes an awful lot of determination, dedication, self-discipline and effort.” – Jesse Owens

• ABC’s of American History: J is for Jackie Robinson | Something2Offer

Don’t complain. Just work harder”—Jackie Robinson

Learning about Olympian Jim Thorpe | Unschool Rules

• A Baseball Great FREE Printable Activity, Hank Aaron | Leap Frog
• Biography Muhammad Ali and FREE Quiz | Ducksters
• Muhammad Ali FREE Download | Social Studies MegaStore
• Muhammad Ali Cassius Clay FREE Coloring Page | The Color.com

Don’t count the days, make the days count.”― Muhammad Ali

• Babe Ruth Facts & FREE Worksheets | Kidskonnect
• NY Yankee Babe Ruth FREE Coloring Page | Raising Our Kids

You can’t beat the person who never gives up.” – Babe Ruth

• FREE Download Famous Athletes PowerPoint | TES.com
• 30 Motivational Quotes From The World’s Most Famous Athletes | Your Tango
• All Athletes FREE Worksheets | KidsKonnect
• 15 FREE Olympic Printables for Kids | Classy Mommy
• Compare and Contrast: Awesome Athletes! FREE Resources | Education.com
• Olympics Books For Kids + FREE Olympics Unit Study | Mommy Evolution
• Summer Olympics Printable FREE Worksheets | The Teacher’s Corner
• FREE Olympics Lapbook | Homeschool Helper Online

Famous Athletes Activities

These activities will engage kids in your lessons on famous athletes:

• 12 Awesome Olympic Activities for Kids Using Pool Noodles | And Next Comes L
• Olympic Crafts: 20+ Crafts, Activities & Ideas to Inspire | Red Ted Art