Week 4: How Do We Know About the Weather?
Weekly Focus
Children explore weather forecasting, learn about weather tools and instruments, create weather reports, and understand how meteorologists predict weather patterns to help people prepare for different conditions.
Week at a Glance
Daily themes for Week 4
- MondayWeather Journals
- TuesdayWeather Tools
- WednesdayWeather Forecasting
- ThursdayWeather Data & Patterns
- FridayWeather Safety
Teacher Tip
Learning Objectives
- Understand how weather forecasts help people prepare
- Identify basic weather tools and instruments
- Create and present simple weather reports
- Recognize the role of meteorologists
- Practice counting and data collection skills
- Develop weather prediction vocabulary
Key Vocabulary
Materials Needed
- Weather journals and art supplies
- Paper windmill materials
- Thermometer and weather tools
- Chart paper and markers
- Weather symbols and cards
- Video resources and technology
- Recording sheets and clipboards
- Weather-themed books
Daily Plans
Monday: Creating Weather Journals
Focus Question
How do we know about the weather?
Suggested Books
- "Weather Words and What They Mean" by Gail Gibbons
- "The Weather Book" by Diana Craig
- "What Will the Weather Be?" by Lynda DeWitt
Morning Circle
Ask children the weekly question: "How do we know about the weather?" Record their responses for future reference. Discuss different ways people find out about weather - looking outside, weather reports, asking others.
Teacher Tip: Encourage children to think about how their families know what weather to expect each day.
Weather Journal Creation
Children create their own Weather Watch Journals using blank paper, hard covers, and art supplies. Show examples of completed weather journals and explain they will act as weather watchers to observe and record daily weather patterns.
First Weather Observation
Take children outside to observe current weather conditions. Look at the sky, feel the temperature, notice wind or lack of wind. Return inside and make first journal entry with drawings and weather words.
Extension: Begin daily weather tracking routine that will continue throughout the week.
Outdoor Circle Time
Sit outside in shade and discuss how families know how to dress for weather. Look at sky, trees, and land. Feel grass and air temperature. Discuss what these observations tell us about weather.
Closing Circle
Share weather journals and discuss first observations. Create a class chart about "How do we know what the weather is going to be?" using shared writing experience.
Reflection Questions:
- What did you observe about today's weather?
- How do you think people knew about weather long ago?
- What tools might help us learn about weather?
Featured Activities
Weather Station Setup
Create a classroom weather station with simple tools for daily observations and weather tracking.
Weather Report Role Play
Children take turns being meteorologists, creating and presenting weather reports to the class.
Weather Tool Investigation
Explore real weather instruments and create simple versions to understand how meteorologists work.
Weather Pattern Graphing
Use weather journal data to create simple graphs and identify patterns in local weather conditions.
Resources
Books
- "Weather Words and What They Mean" by Gail Gibbons
- "The Weather Book" by Diana Craig
- "What Will the Weather Be?" by Lynda DeWitt
- "Weather Forecasting" by Gail Gibbons
- "Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs" by Judi Barrett
Printables
- Weather journal templates
- Weather tool identification cards
- Weather report templates
- Weather pattern graphing sheets
- Weather safety scenario cards
Home Connection
Send home a family weather watching guide with simple activities for observing and discussing weather at home. Include tips for watching weather forecasts together.