20+ Weather Activities for Preschoolers That Are Fun and Educational
Keeping preschoolers engaged and learning during weather-themed lessons can be a challenge. But with the right activities, you can make learning about the weather fun and educational. Here are 20+ weather activities for preschoolers that are sure to keep them entertained and learning.
1. Make a Weather Wheel
This is a great activity for teaching preschoolers about the different types of weather. To make a weather wheel, you will need:
- A large piece of paper
- A pencil
- A ruler
- A pair of scissors
- Markers or crayons
Instructions:
- Draw a large circle on the paper.
- Divide the circle into 8 equal sections.
- Label each section with a different type of weather, such as sunny, cloudy, rainy, snowy, windy, foggy, stormy, and calm.
- Color each section a different color.
- Cut out the weather wheel.
- Attach a brad or pushpin to the center of the weather wheel.
- Spin the weather wheel to learn about the different types of weather.
2. Cloud Observation
This activity is a great way for preschoolers to learn about the different types of clouds. To do this activity, you will need:
- A cloud chart
- A pair of binoculars (optional)
Instructions:
- Take your preschoolers outside on a cloudy day.
- Give them a cloud chart and have them identify the different types of clouds.
- Let them use binoculars to get a closer look at the clouds.
- Talk about the different characteristics of the clouds, such as their shape, size, and color.
3. Make a Windsock
This activity is a great way for preschoolers to learn about the wind. To make a windsock, you will need:
- A piece of fabric
- A pair of scissors
- A ribbon
- A stick
Instructions:
- Cut a long strip of fabric.
- Sew the two long edges of the fabric together to form a tube.
- Turn the tube inside out.
- Tie a ribbon to one end of the tube.
- Insert a stick into the other end of the tube.
- Hang the windsock outside and watch it blow in the wind.
4. Make a Rain Gauge
This activity is a great way for preschoolers to learn about rain. To make a rain gauge, you will need:
- A clear plastic bottle
- A ruler
- A marker
Instructions:
- Cut the bottom off of the plastic bottle.
- Turn the bottle upside down and place it in a stand or on a table.
- Mark the side of the bottle with a ruler, starting at the bottom.
- Place the rain gauge outside and watch it fill up with rain.
- Measure the amount of rain that has fallen by reading the markings on the side of the bottle.
5. Make a Weather Station
This activity is a great way for preschoolers to learn about the different weather elements. To make a weather station, you will need:
- A box
- A thermometer
- A barometer
- A rain gauge
- A windsock
Instructions:
- Cut a hole in the side of the box for the thermometer.
- Cut a hole in the top of the box for the barometer.
- Cut a hole in the front of the box for the rain gauge.
- Cut a hole in the back of the box for the windsock.
- Place the thermometer, barometer, rain gauge, and windsock in the box.
- Decorate the box with weather-themed stickers or drawings.
6. Play Weather Bingo
This activity is a great way for preschoolers to review the different types of weather. To play weather bingo, you will need:
- A bingo board with weather-themed words
- Bingo chips
Instructions:
- Give each preschooler a bingo board.
- Call out different weather-themed words, such as sunny, cloudy, rainy, snowy, windy, foggy, stormy, and calm.
- Preschoolers mark the words on their bingo boards as you call them out.
- The first preschooler to get five in a row wins.
7. Sing Weather Songs
There are many great weather songs that you can sing with preschoolers. Here are a few examples:
- "The Itsy Bitsy Spider"
- "It's Raining, It's Pouring"
- "The Wind Blows"
8. Read Weather Books
There are many great weather books that you can read to preschoolers. Here are a few examples:
- "The Magic School Bus at the Weather Museum" by Joanna Cole
- "Weather Words" by Gail Gibbons
- "The Cloud Book" by Tomie dePaola
9. Make Weather Crafts
There are many different weather crafts that you can make with preschoolers. Here are a few examples:
- Make a sun out of paper and yellow paint.
- Make a cloud out of cotton balls.
- Make a raindrop out of blue paper.
- Make a snowflake out of white paper.
10. Do Weather Experiments
There are many different weather experiments that you can do with preschoolers. Here are a few examples:
- Make a tornado in a bottle.
- Make a cloud in a jar.
- Make a rainstorm in a bottle.
11. Go on a Weather Walk
Take your preschoolers on a weather walk to observe the weather firsthand. Here are a few things to look for:
- The sun
- The clouds
- The wind
- The temperature
- The precipitation
12. Talk About the Weather
Talk to your preschoolers about the weather every day. Here are a few questions to get you started:
- What's the weather like today?
- What do you think the weather will be like tomorrow?
- What's your favorite type of weather?
- Why do you like that type of weather?
13. Use Weather Apps
There are many great weather apps that you can use with preschoolers. Here are a few examples:
- Weather Underground
- AccuWeather
- The Weather Channel
14. Watch Weather Videos
There are many great weather videos that you can watch with preschoolers. Here are a few examples:
- "The Weather Channel"
- "National Geographic Kids: Weather"
- "PBS Kids: Weather"
15. Visit a Weather Museum
If you have a weather museum in your area, take your preschoolers for a visit. Here are a few examples:
- The National Weather Center in Norman, Oklahoma
- The American Museum of Natural History in New York City
- The Franklin Institute in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
16. Get Involved in Weather Projects
There are many different weather projects that you can get involved in with preschoolers. Here are a few examples:
- Keep a weather journal.
- Start a weather club.
- Host a weather-themed party.
17. Make Weather Predictions
Have your preschoolers make weather predictions. Here are a few questions to get you started:
- What do you think the weather will be like tomorrow?
- What do you think the weather will be like next week?
- What do you think the weather will be like next month?
18. Discuss the Importance of Weather
Talk to your preschoolers about the importance of weather. Here are a few questions to get you started:
- How does weather affect our lives?
- Why is it important to stay safe during bad weather?
- What can we do to protect ourselves from bad weather?
19. Weather Safety Tips
Teach your preschoolers about weather safety. Here are a few tips:
- Stay inside during thunderstorms.
- Don't go swimming in a pool or lake during a thunderstorm.
- Don't touch metal objects during a thunderstorm.
- Take shelter in a sturdy building during a tornado.
- Don't drive through flooded areas.
20. Stay Informed About the Weather
It's important to stay informed about the weather, especially if you have preschoolers. Here are a few tips:
- Check the weather forecast before you go outside.
- Listen to weather reports on the radio or TV.
- Sign up for weather alerts on your phone.
By following these tips, you can help your preschoolers learn about the weather in a fun and educational way.