Week 5: Weather Watchers
Weekly Focus
Children learn to observe, measure, and predict weather using simple tools and patterns, culminating in becoming weather reporters who can share forecasts with others.
Week at a Glance
- Use simple weather tools to gather data
- Identify patterns in weather observations
- Make simple weather predictions
- Communicate weather information to others
Weekly Overview
Theme
Weather Watchers
Focus Areas
- Weather tools
- Data collection
- Weather patterns
- Weather forecasting
Key Vocabulary
Creating Weather Tools
Daily Plans
Monday: Weather Tools
Daily schedule and activities
Morning Activity
Morning Circle: Introduce weather tools and their purposes
Literacy Focus
Read 'Freddy the Frogcaster' by Janice Dean
Math Focus
Match weather tools to what they measure
Afternoon Activity
Create simple weather tools (wind sock, rain gauge)
Materials Needed
- Freddy the Frogcaster book
- Pictures of weather tools
- Materials for wind sock (tissue paper, cups, string)
- Materials for rain gauge (plastic bottles, rulers)
- Weather tool cards
Assessment Notes
Observe students' understanding of different weather tools and their purposes.
Featured Activities
Make a Rain Gauge
Students create simple rain gauges using plastic bottles and rulers to measure rainfall.
Duration
35 minutes
Materials
- Clear plastic bottles
- Rulers
- Permanent markers
- Scissors
- Stones for bottle bottom
- Water for testing
Learning Areas
Weather Prediction Game
Students use clue cards to predict weather conditions in a fun, interactive game format.
Duration
25 minutes
Materials
- Weather clue cards
- Weather condition cards
- Game board
- Weather symbols
Learning Areas
Weather Reporter Studio
Students take turns being weather reporters, using maps and props to deliver weather forecasts.
Duration
40 minutes
Materials
- Weather maps
- Microphone prop
- Pointer
- Weather symbol cards
- Video camera (optional)
Learning Areas
Cloud Watchers
Students observe clouds, record their observations, and use cloud charts to predict possible weather changes.
Duration
30 minutes
Materials
- Cloud observation sheets
- Simple cloud identification charts
- Clipboards
- Blue paper
- Cotton balls
- Glue
Learning Areas
Technology Integration
Resources
Books
- "Freddy the Frogcaster" by Janice Dean
- "Oh Say Can You Say What's the Weather Today?" by Tish Rabe
- "The Meteorologist in Me" by Brittney Shipp
- "Will It Rain or Snow?" by Melissa Stewart
- "National Geographic Kids: Weather" by Kristin Baird Rattini
Printables
- Weather tool instruction cards
- Weather observation recording sheets
- Simple weather maps
- Weather prediction templates
- Weather reporter scripts
Home Connection
Send home instructions for creating a simple family weather journal. Encourage families to record the weather each day for a week and discuss any patterns they notice.
Unit Reflection
Weather Unit Wrap-Up
Reflecting on our journey through weather exploration
As we complete the Weather unit, help students make connections between all five weeks of learning. Create a visual journey showing how we've expanded our understanding from:
- Week 1Weather All Around Us (basic awareness and vocabulary)
- Week 2Types of Weather (exploring different weather conditions)
- Week 3Weather and Seasons (seasonal weather patterns)
- Week 4Weather and Our Lives (how weather affects us)
- Week 5Weather Watchers (observing and predicting weather)
Consider creating a class book or display that showcases student work from each week, demonstrating how their understanding of weather has grown from basic awareness to active observation and prediction.