TEACHING PRESCHOOLERS ABOUT THE WEATHER

I live in Michigan where the sun hardly shines in the winter. Snow is everywhere and my children forget about normal shoes because they seem to live in their boots. It is easy to talk to them about 4 seasons and changing weather because they experience it. But what about the preschoolers who live in warm and dry climates year round? Here are a couple fun and easy ideas to introduce them to the amazing world of weather!

1) Use a puppet such as the one shown. Pretend he travels around the world and discuss what the weather might be like in other places. This little guy is included free in any one month purchase of preschool curriculum at www.mothergoosetime.com

2) Use props to simulate the experience of weather. Put lots of crushed ice in a plastic box (such as one used for sand tables). Let the children put on mittens and play in it. How long until it melts?  Turn on a shower or an outdoor sprinkler and have children bring their swimsuits and an umbrella. Pretend its raining and have children bang on pots and pans to pretend thunder. 

3) Preschool Weather Photo Exchange: Take a few digital pictures of your children playing outside in January and email them to a preschool in a different part of the country where the weather is different. Have the other preschool do the same and email pictures back. This is a great way to start cross-country friendships and learn about the weather. Looking for a preschool photopal? Respond to this blog or send me an email - we'll arrange a connection for you!