Kindergarten · Science · 20 minutes
Weather watchers
Choose a safe observation spot and the same time on three days. Share observations in a guided discussion.
Mr. S Teaches · Starter mini-lesson · elem-k-weather-watchersLearning objective
Explain and practice weather watchers using the activity and evidence, then take part in a grade-appropriate discussion.
Plan ahead: For weather and plant observations, use several short sessions across multiple days; the duration is active teaching time.
Gather your materials
- Paper and drawing supplies
- An adult-prepared safe observation setup or photographs
Use the items named in the teaching steps; paper models or adult-prepared photographs can replace physical equipment.
Supporting Common Core connection
SL.K.1Take turns, listen, and continue conversations about kindergarten topics.
Read the official standard ↗Code and grade verified 2026-11-03. This mini-lesson addresses a selected skill, not the entire standard. The connection is to the guided literacy discussion; it does not establish alignment with this subject’s content standards.
Teach it step by step
- Choose a safe observation spot and the same time on three days.
- Draw cloud cover and note rain and relative warmth without guessing measured temperatures.
- Compare the dated records.
- Take turns sharing a change, listening and responding to a partner.
- Use pictures and words to share an observation. Take turns and listen. Give each person a turn, invite a question, and finish by naming an idea heard from someone else.
Watch, notice, discuss
Video choices for this lesson
Preview a video, then choose what fits your learners. “Show to class” opens a larger view; use the player’s play and full-screen controls when you’re ready.
Teacher preview needed. Check the language, level and length before showing. YouTube may show ads or related videos.
Weather for Kids | What is weather, and how does it work?
By Learn Bright
Connect this video to the lesson on weather watchers. Pause to try an example together.
Open on YouTube: Weather for Kids | What is weather, and how does it work? (opens a new tab) ↗Let's Learn About Weather for Kids ☀️🌧️🌬️🌩️ #learnforkids
By Toddler Zoo - Nursery Rhymes
Connect this video to the lesson on weather watchers. Pause to try an example together.
Open on YouTube: Let's Learn About Weather for Kids ☀️🌧️🌬️🌩️ #learnforkids (opens a new tab) ↗Describe the weather you can observe today. What evidence can you record?
An external player loads only after you choose Preview or Show to class. Playback connects to YouTube. Videos belong to their creators; availability and embedding can change.
Make the thinking visible
Example to work through together
A drawing showing clouds on Monday and clear sky on Tuesday supports saying the cloud cover changed; it does not prove tomorrow's weather.
Try the starter activity
Observe clouds, temperature, and rain for three days. Draw a weather record. Then discuss your findings with a partner or adult, using the discussion goal above.
Student practice
Make a three-day picture record and share one similarity and one difference.
Quick check for understanding
What changed between days?
Sample answer and teacher guidance
Sample answer: Responses should cite the records. Assess listening and a relevant reply, not a single expected weather pattern.
Listen or look for: Responses should cite the records. Assess listening and a relevant reply, not a single expected weather pattern.
Invite the learner to explain, demonstrate, draw or dictate their reasoning. Revisit a teaching step when the explanation is unclear.
Make it work for your learner
A little more support
Provide sun, cloud and rain picture choices and let the child dictate.
An additional challenge
Ask a partner a question about a record and identify what cannot be learned from a drawing.