4 class periods of 30 minutes each
Social & Civic Responsibility
Students will read literature about the seasons and observe and describe the weather in each. The group will compare and contrast the activities of people during different weather conditions showing how they adapt to changes. They will generate activity and nutritional guides appropriate to each.
Students will observe and describe the basic components of weather and understand how a healthy diet and exercise can increase the likelihood of physical and mental wellness year round.
1. Read a variety of books about the seasons or weather. (see bibliography)
2. Make a chart of physical activities appropriate for different weather conditions found in each season.
3. Generate a list of favorite seasonal foods or comfort foods triggered by weather conditions and discuss good nutrition year round.
Gifted Students: Gather and read books independently. Generate activity and food lists independently.
Struggling Student: Listen to books read to them. Draw or cut out pictures of appropriate activities and food.
This lesson could be done with a whole group, in cooperative learning groups, or as individual projects. Final projects could include lists, charts, posters, demonstrations, dioramas, oral reports, class or individual books.
The rubric called "Staying Healthy Year Round" may be used to assess student learning.
Iwamura, Kazuo. The 14 Forest Mice and the Winter Sledding Day. 1991.
Iwamura, Kazuo. The 14 Forest Mice and the Summer Laundry Day. 1991.
Iwarmura, Kazuo. The 14 Forest Mice and the Harvest Moon Watch. 1991.
Iwarmura, Kazuo. The 14 Forest Mice and the Spring Meadow Picnic. 1991.
Maass, Robert. When Spring Comes. 1994.
Maass, Robert. When Summer Comes. 1993.
Maass, Robert. When Autumn Comes. 1990.
Maass, Robert. When Winter Comes. 1996.
Hirschi, Ron. Summer.1991.
Hirschi, Ron. Winter. 1990.
Hirschi, Ron. Spring. 1990.
Hirschi, Ron. Fall. 1991.
Ichikawa, Satomi. A Child's Book of Seasons. 1975.
Gibbons, Gail. The Reasons For Seasons. 1995.
Schlepp,Tommy. My World: Seasons. 2000.
Burningham, John. Seasons. 1969.
Krensky, Stephen. Lionel in the Fall. 1987.