Begin the lesson by discussing the transition from fall to winter, highlighting the key characteristics of winter such as shorter days and colder weather.
Go to the LessonLesson Plans
Winter
Learning Objectives
- Understand the characteristics of winter, including shorter days and colder weather.
- Identify how winter affects trees, including leaf loss.
- Explain how animals adapt to winter conditions, such as hibernation and migration.
- Recognize the transition from winter to spring and the changes in weather and daylight.
Introduction and Hook
Engage students with a short story or poem about winter to capture their interest and set the stage for the lesson.
Direct Instruction
Explain the characteristics of winter, including shorter days and colder weather, using simple language and examples.
Use the video 'The Four Seasons – Winter' to visually demonstrate how winter affects both animals and plants, with animals either hibernating or migrating.
Guided Exploration
Discuss with students how animals adapt to winter conditions, such as hibernation and migration, and encourage them to share examples they know.
Watch the video 'Movement and Position of the Earth – Seasons' to help students understand how the Earth's tilt and orbit cause seasonal changes.
Hands-On Activity
Conduct a hands-on activity where students create a winter scene using craft materials to illustrate winter characteristics and animal adaptations.
Use the 'What’s Winter Like?' assessment to have students describe and draw what winter is like in their area, including activities and clothing.
Independent Practice
Assign students to observe and record changes in daylight over a week to understand the transition from winter to spring.
Have students complete the 'Reading a Thermometer' assessment to practice reading temperatures and understanding temperature differences.
Check for Understanding
Conduct a class discussion to review key concepts about winter, such as characteristics, animal adaptations, and the transition to spring.
Use the 'Describing Weather' assessment to evaluate students' understanding of different weather conditions and their impact on daily life.
Review and Reflection
Encourage students to reflect on what they have learned about winter and how it affects the environment and living organisms.
Watch the video 'The Four Seasons – Spring' to help students visualize the transition from winter to spring and the changes that occur.
Assessment and Extension
Administer the 'Review – Weather and Seasons' assessment to evaluate students' understanding of seasonal changes and weather patterns.
Try the Quiz
For extension, encourage students to explore how different cultures celebrate winter and its associated holidays, fostering a broader understanding of the season.
