Ah…winter. As the seasons change, it’s a great time to discuss the weather. In some places, like here in Tokyo for example, the weather during the winter can vary dramatically from week to week and even day to day. When your students come to class, asking them “How’s the weather?” will help them become familiar with words for what’s going on outside.
Our favorite way to introduce new vocabulary is with a song. “How’s The Weather?” from Super Simple Songs teaches four basic types of weather: sunny, rainy, cloudy and snowy. With easy to learn gestures and free downloadable picture cards, this song is the perfect way to start a lesson on weather. Check out this great video from some students in Korea:
Snowmen and snowflakes are also great ways to discuss the weather. There are many crafts and games that you can do with them! Here are just a couple of ideas.
Snowflake and Snowman Craft Ideas
Make Paper Snowflakes
Pass out small square pieces of paper. Show the students how to fold the paper into a triangle. Fold the triangle once more into a smaller triangle. Next, draw some small triangles along each edge of the folded paper. Cut out the triangles, and then unfold the paper. You have a snowflake! (Tip: experiment a little with making snowflakes before class. For younger students, you’ll want to keep the patterns very simple. For older students, encourage them to cut a variety of shapes.) Have the students hold their snowflakes up high and let them go. It’s snowing! Sing “Little Snowflake” from Super Simple Songs with your snowflakes falling, falling, falling to the ground.
*As with any activity involving scissors, supervise closely.
Easy Snow
Make lots of snow very easily by tearing up sheets of white scratch paper. Put all of the pieces in a cup or bowl and hold it up high. Make it snow by turning the cup over and letting the “snowflakes” fall to the ground. Put all of the snowflakes back into the cup and make it snow again.
Finger Painting
Use white paint and colored paper to paint a winter scene. No need for paintbrushes, just use your fingers! Make snowflakes, snowmen, or whatever you want! For easy clean up, cover tables with plastic (garbage bags or plastic sheeting work well) and have kids wear aprons. Be sure to review rules before starting: no touching each other, be careful with the paint, etc. When you let them know what is expected, kids are generally very respectful when doing such a special activity.
Cotton Ball Snow
Use cotton, like in this video from MILK English in South Korea. You can practice body parts as well by having students put the cotton balls on their nose, head, arm, leg, nose, etc.
Follow your craft up with this weather worksheet from the song “I’m A Little Snowman.” Color, cut and paste the little snowman into four different scenes. Ask students about the weather and the seasons as you figure out which pictures match each other. Uh-oh, what happens to the snowman when the sun comes out?
So…how’s the weather in your neck of the woods?
