Kids are so curious about the weather! And it’s more than knowing whether to wear shorts or pants for the day. Understanding the weather means observing what’s happening in your neighborhood, learning how the weather impacts the world around you, and knowing what to do with that information.
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You can start by simply stepping outside together and observing what the weather feels, looks, smells, and sounds like. Encourage your kids to use all five senses:
- How does the sun feel on your skin?
- Do you see the wind moving anything around us?
- Can you hear the rain or the wind or the rustle of leaves?
- What does the air smell like?
- Does the air feel warm or chilly?
- What shape are the clouds?
Go on a weather walk.
Go on walks in the rain, snow, wind, and heat to explore how your neighborhood changes in different weather conditions. Ask your kids to point out where the trees have changed colors, where the flowers have bloomed, or where there are puddles.
If the weather outside is too extreme for a walk, talk about why that happens and what you can do to stay safe.
Keep a weather journal.
Snap photos and track temperatures, sunrise and sunset times, or other observations in nature. Talk about how the changing weather affects what you wear and how you play.
Set up a weather station.
Use an outside windowsill or front stoop to create a simple weather station. Your kids can be weather reporters! Help them observe and record:
- Temperature: Record the temperature and then go outside to see what it feels like.
- Precipitation: Use a rain gauge (or even an empty jar!) to track rainfall or snowfall.
- Cloud coverage: Describe what the clouds look like. Are they moving? Is the sky clear, partly cloudy, or overcast?
- Wind conditions: Check the wind speed by using a windsock, flag, or pinwheel.
Adapted from PBS Kids