Weather Watching
To observe and describe daily weather patterns.
- Framework: EYFS
- Unit: EYFS Understanding the World
- Learning area: Understanding the World
- Level: EYFS 2-3
Objectives
- Describes current weather using appropriate vocabulary
- Connects weather to clothing choices
- Participates in weather observation routine
- Notices changes in weather
Materials
- Weather display board with picture symbols
- Weather-appropriate clothing for outdoor play
- Rain gauge and simple thermometer
- Weather-related books and songs
Instructions
Establish a daily weather observation routine at the same time each day. 'Let's look out the window and see what the weather is doing today!' Make this a consistent, anticipated part of the day.
Use clear, consistent vocabulary for weather types. 'It's sunny today! I can see the bright sun in the sky. It feels warm.' Ask children what they observe: 'What can you see? What can you feel?'
Update the weather display together. 'What symbol should we put up today? Yes, the cloud with rain because it's raining!' Let children move the symbols themselves.
Connect weather to daily experiences. 'It's raining, so what do we need to wear outside? Yes, wellies and waterproof coats!' Help children understand weather affects what we do and wear.
Go outside in different weather (safely). 'Let's go out and feel the rain on our faces!' 'Feel how the wind is blowing your hair!' Sensory experiences make learning meaningful.
Look for patterns over time. 'It's been sunny for three days! What do you think the weather will be tomorrow?' Begin developing understanding that weather changes but has patterns.