Today’s post is written by Bren, a contributor to PreKinders.
Observing and recording the weather is a daily activity in many pre-k classrooms. This is the way we do it in our class.
Also included are the learning benchmarks (LB) we are covering during this fun part of our day.
We start by discussing different kinds of weather during Circle Time (LB: Use common weather-related vocabulary, rainy, snowy, sunny, and windy. Identify basic concepts associated with night/day and seasons.)
Then, using chalkboards, we practiced making simple weather symbols (LB: Understand that pictures and symbols have meaning and that print carries a message.)
The “Weather Reporter” is one of our preschool jobs that rotate daily. In our classroom, the Weather Reporter goes outside with an assistant, but it could also be done by looking out a window (LB: Use senses to explore and observe materials and natural phenomena).
Using a marker and index card out of the weather pouch, the Weather Reporter draws the symbol(s) that represent the current weather as well as their initials (LB: Collect, describe and record information).
They report to the class and we put it on the weekly chart. At the end of the week, we spend a few minutes comparing and discussing the different kinds of weather we had that week (LB: Show an awareness of changes that occur in themselves and their environment).
Find more Weather Activities for Pre-K on the category page.