Weather watchers – noticing the world around us
An embedded part of our daily routine in Nursery is watching the weather and keeping an eye on any changes that the happen with the weather over the course of the day.
At the beginning of every morning and afternoon session, we discuss the weather that is happening at that moment, which often prompts children to recall the weather they have experienced on their way into Nursery that day or recently. Having these discussions and observing the weather gives children the opportunity to develop their communication skills, by sharing their weather experiences and describing these to others.
Sometimes we end up talking about how ‘Mr Frost’ has visited over night or how in the wither months, the children can still see the moon in the morning on their way to nursery! Rainbow spotting is always a highlight, with the children on rainbow alert when the sun comes out whilst it is raining.
Talking about and observing the weather also gives children the chance to make decisions about how they will prepare to go outside to play (and indeed whether or not they will choose to stay inside that day!) Wet, windy or very cold weather lend themselves to discussions about how best to keep warm and dry, whilst warmer sunnier days, is a great teaching point for sun safety and staying hydrated.
