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Outside the Window

Children will discuss weather indicators then create a painting based on a scene they see outside the window.

Lesson Plan

Supplies Needed

Gather all the supplies needed to bring your craft ideas to life! From paints and markers to glue and scissors, our crafts section has everything to spark creativity and make every project truly special.

  • Paper

Steps

  • Step 1

    Ask children to list words that can describe the weather, such as rainy, sunny, cloudy, windy, snowy, etc. What types of weather are associated with each season? What are some of the things they do in each type of weather? What are some benefits of different types of weather? For example, rain helps plants grow, wind is useful for flying a kite, warm sunshine might inspire outdoor play, etc.

  • Step 2

    Have children look out the window and describe what they see. Then ask them to paint the view they're looking at.

  • Step 3

    When their paintings are done, have them present the art and describe the scene, how it makes them feel, and what it might inspire them to do. Have a discussion about the different ways each student experienced the view.

Standards

SCI: Use and share observations of local weather conditions to describe patterns over time. 

Adaptations

Discuss the fact that Earth's freshwater sources are limited. To conserve this resource, rainwater is often collected and treated for other uses, such as garden irrigation, toilet flushing, etc. (Note that unfiltered and untreated rainwater is not considered safe for drinking.) Have students make a rain collection system by placing a container outside before rain is predicted. After it rains, have them see how much rain fell in a certain time period.

Invite a local meteorologist to speak to the class, either in person or via video, about weather prediction. Have students prepare questions for the guest in advance of the event.