Weather Watchers Journal
Daily weather observation builds scientific habits of mind: noticing patterns, recording data, and making predictions. For young children, weather is an accessible scientific topic that changes daily and connects to their lived experience. Tracking weather across the fall season reveals patterns and prepares children for understanding seasonal changes.
- Framework: EYFS
- Unit: EYFS Autumn Festival
- Learning area: Understanding the World
- Level: EYFS 3-4, Reception
Objectives
- Observe and describe daily weather patterns
- Record observations using pictures and simple symbols
- Notice changes in weather as fall progresses
Materials
- Weather journals (pre-made or class-created)
- Weather symbol cards (sun, clouds, rain, wind)
- Outdoor thermometer visible to children
- Calendar for tracking patterns
Instructions
Establish a daily weather observation routine. Each morning (or at a consistent time), gather children near a window or take them outside briefly for observation.
Guide observations with specific questions: "What do you see in the sky? Can you feel the wind? What are you wearing today? Why?" Help children connect their clothing choices to weather conditions.
Introduce weather vocabulary systematically: sunny, cloudy, partly cloudy, rainy, windy, foggy, cool, cold. Create a class weather vocabulary chart with illustrations.
Model recording observations in a weather journal. Young children can draw pictures or use stamp-style symbols to represent the weather. Older children can add simple words or sentences.
After a week or two of observations, review the journal entries together: "What kind of weather did we have the most? What patterns do you notice?" Introduce the idea that fall brings cooler temperatures and more rain in many places.
Connect observations to other fall themes: "Remember how bright the sun was today? That sunshine helped those leaves change colours!"
Educator tip
Take photographs of the sky each day to create a visual weather timeline. This concrete record helps children remember and compare weather across time, supporting pattern recognition.
Assessment
Observe and note: ability to follow two-step instructions, use of new vocabulary in context, early problem-solving strategies, and sustained shared thinking episodes. Assess against Development Matters age-band expectations. Observe children's observational skills, use of weather vocabulary, and ability to record observations accurately.