Enjoying the rain image: sxc.hu

 During my substitute teaching recently, I spent three days with a second grade class,  and they were focusing on weather in reading, science, math, art  and writing. 

We read Tomi de Paola’s The Cloud Book and discussed the various types of clouds described.  They drew pictures and did a math paper about clouds.  Then they began making a cloud booklet, using worksheets their teacher had provided.    Some of the students became so enthusiastic, they wanted to create their original cloud booklet when they had free time.

We watched a video on weather, learned about tornadoes and hurricanes, blizzards, frost and snowflakes and weather myths.  (A book we didn’t read, but which I would have used if the teacher had been out longer, is Snowflake Bentley by Jacqueline Briggs Martin.  This is about the man who first photographed snowflakes.)  Some of the youngsters cut out snowflakes, an activity the art teacher also did with them later that day.

I found this unit so interesting that I’m developing  one to use with youngsters when I teach and to provide material for home schoolers.

Post from: Blisstree

Weather Activities for Kids

Rainbow image: sxc.hu

So I put together lessons that seemed to delight them.   Am subbing there again tomorrow.

Perhaps I’ll have them write some weather related poetry. Kids, as well as adults,  seem to enjoy my poetry workshops. 

 I worked with another group of second graders last week on the same Weather unit.  We read and wrote Winter poetry, using the letters for this word and writing a line that began with each.  We didn’t bother about rhyme this time, but I mentioned to the youngsters that once they became familiar with this poetry, they could try rhyming.

I think we may try writing a poem using the word Weather tomorrow.  After we do it together, they enjoy trying one on their own.  There are other words you can use such as Snow, Rain, Rainbow, Hurricane (an aspect of weather that seemed to fascinate the students today), Sleet, and each of the seasons.

Then the children can draw pictures to accompany their masterpieces.  They started making weather booklets today and drew picture after picture.

Have you ever written weather related poetry with your youngsters?

Post from: Blisstree

Weather Related Poetry for Youngsters

Back through all my travel notes I go until I find the formula for converting Celsius to Fahrenheit.  I always swear I’ll remember it, but it’s a good thing I keep it handy where I can look it up. 

Here’s how it works:

Celsius temperature doubled, then add 30, and you’ll get Fahrenheit.

Examples:

• 15C X 2 + 30 = 60F (and this is the current temperature in Pienza tonight)
• 20C X 2 + 30 = 70F
• 30C X 2 + 20 = 80

While this isn’t an exact conversion, it’s close enough for most temperate needs that a traveler will have.

Photo credit:  amandabbslater @flickr

Post from: Blisstree

How to Convert Celsius to Fahrenheit

In addition to the fly problem, we are letting out all of the cool air that our energy efficient home works so hard to retain. I finally refused to turn on the air conditioner, just to cool all of the high desert. We are now sweating it out in an 82 degree house, all because my kids refuse to remember to shut the door. Yes, I suppose I could make them do the “open and close the door twenty times” activity, but then I would be doing that all day long. That activity works fine for a family with one or two kids, but seven? Not gonna happen. I seriously need to come up with a way for my kids to get the message that the door needs to stay closed at all times. Marye, I could really use your help, here!

Post from: Blisstree

SHUT… THE… DOOR!