Lesson Plan
Winter Weather Wonders!
Students will identify common winter weather conditions, understand the importance of staying warm and safe, and recognize appropriate clothing and safety measures for winter. They will learn practical life skills for personal well-being during winter.
Understanding winter weather and how to respond to it is crucial for students' personal safety, health, and independence. This lesson equips them with essential life skills to navigate the colder months confidently.
Audience
Life Skills Class, Students with Intellectual Disabilities
Time
30 minutes
Approach
Interactive discussion, visual aids, and a hands-on activity to reinforce learning.
Materials
Whiteboard or projector, Markers or pens, Winter Weather Reading, Winter Safety Worksheet, Winter Weather Discussion Guide, and Winter Weather Wonders Slide Deck
Prep
Review Materials and Set Up
15 minutes
- Review the Winter Weather Wonders Slide Deck to familiarize yourself with the content and talking points.
- Print copies of the Winter Safety Worksheet for each student.
- Print copies of the Winter Weather Reading for each student.
- Prepare the whiteboard or projector for displaying the slides.
- Review the Winter Weather Discussion Guide to prepare for facilitating conversation.
- Ensure all generated materials are reviewed as needed.
Step 1
Warm-Up: What's the Weather Today?
5 minutes
- Begin with a quick check-in about today's weather.
- Ask students: "What's the weather like outside right now?"
- Lead into discussing different types of weather, focusing on cold and snowy conditions as a transition to winter weather. (Refer to Winter Weather Wonders Slide Deck - Slide 1)
Step 2
Introduction to Winter Weather (Slides & Reading)
10 minutes
- Use the Winter Weather Wonders Slide Deck (Slides 2-5) to introduce winter weather concepts like snow, ice, and cold temperatures.
- Distribute the Winter Weather Reading and read it aloud together, pausing to discuss key vocabulary and concepts.
- Ask questions like: "What kind of clothes keep us warm in winter?" and "Why is it important to wear warm clothes?" (Refer to Winter Weather Wonders Slide Deck - Slide 2-5)
Step 3
Winter Safety Discussion & Worksheet
10 minutes
- Facilitate a discussion on winter safety using the Winter Weather Discussion Guide. (Refer to Winter Weather Wonders Slide Deck - Slide 6)
- Focus on topics like dressing warmly, being careful on ice, and staying hydrated.
- Distribute the Winter Safety Worksheet and guide students through completing it.
- Provide assistance as needed, encouraging students to share their answers with a partner if appropriate.
Step 4
Wrap-Up: Winter Weather Recap
5 minutes
- Review the main points of the lesson by asking students to share one new thing they learned about winter weather or safety.
- Conclude by emphasizing the importance of staying safe and warm during winter.
- Collect the Winter Safety Worksheet. (Refer to Winter Weather Wonders Slide Deck - Slide 7)
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Slide Deck
Winter Weather Wonders!
What's the weather like today?
- Is it sunny?
- Is it cloudy?
- Is it cold or warm?
Welcome students and start with a brief weather check-in. Ask students what the weather is like outside today. Guide them to think about different types of weather, especially cold weather, to transition into the topic of winter.
Hello, Winter!
What is Winter?
- Winter is a season.
- It is often very cold.
- We might see snow and ice.
Introduce the idea of winter. Show pictures or discuss what winter looks like (snow, bare trees, etc.). Emphasize that winter is cold.
Staying Safe in Winter
Winter can be tricky!
- Ice can make us slip.
- The cold can make us sick.
- We need to be careful!
Discuss how winter weather can make things slippery and cold. Talk about staying safe and warm.
Dress Warm, Stay Well!
What to Wear in Winter?
- Hats and gloves
- Warm coats
- Scarves
- Warm boots
Why do we wear these clothes? To stay warm!
Introduce appropriate winter clothing. Show examples or have students name items. Connect clothing to staying warm.
Keep Warm, Stay Healthy!
Why is staying warm important?
- It helps us stay healthy.
- It makes us feel comfortable.
- It keeps us from getting sick.
Explain why it's important to stay warm and dry in winter. Connect it to health and feeling good.
Let's Talk Winter Safety!
Time for a discussion!
- How can we be extra safe?
- We will also do a fun activity!
Transition to the discussion and worksheet. Explain that they will learn more about winter safety and practice what they've learned.
Winter Winners!
Great job, everyone!
- Remember to stay warm.
- Remember to stay safe.
- Winter can be fun when we are prepared!
Conclude the lesson by reviewing the key takeaways. Ask students to share one thing they learned. Emphasize the main goal: stay safe and warm.
Script
Winter Weather Wonders! Script
Warm-Up: What's the Weather Today? (5 minutes)
(Teacher says): "Good morning, everyone! Let's start our day by thinking about the weather. Take a peek outside, or just think about how it felt when you came to school today. Can anyone tell me, what's the weather like outside right now? Is it sunny? Cloudy? Cold or warm?"
(Teacher says): "Great observations! Sometimes the weather is warm and sunny, like in summer. But right now, we are heading into a season where it can get very cold, and we might even see snow or ice! This season is called winter. Today, we're going to become winter weather wonders and learn all about staying safe and warm when it's cold outside!"
Introduction to Winter Weather (Slides & Reading) (10 minutes)
(Teacher says): "Let's look at our Winter Weather Wonders Slide Deck to learn more about winter!"
(Teacher navigates to Slide 2: Hello, Winter!)
(Teacher says): "As you can see, winter is one of our four seasons. What are some things you see in winter? (Pause for responses). Yes! It gets very cold. Sometimes we see snow, like these pictures. Has anyone ever seen snow before? What about ice?" (Point to images on the slide if applicable.)
(Teacher navigates to Slide 3: Staying Safe in Winter!)
(Teacher says): "Winter can be beautiful, but it can also be a little tricky. We need to be careful! Can you think of why? (Pause for responses). That's right! Ice can make us slip and fall, and the cold can make us feel really uncomfortable or even sick. So, being careful is super important."
(Teacher says): "Now, let's read together about winter weather. I have a special Winter Weather Reading for everyone. I'll read it aloud, and you can follow along. When I pause, feel free to share your thoughts or ask questions."
(Teacher distributes Winter Weather Reading and reads it aloud, pausing for discussion.)
(Teacher says): "Based on our reading, what kind of clothes do you think keep us warm in winter? Why is it important to wear warm clothes?"
Winter Safety Discussion & Worksheet (10 minutes)
(Teacher navigates to Slide 6: Let's Talk Winter Safety!)
(Teacher says): "Now that we know what winter is like, let's talk about how to be super safe! I have a Winter Weather Discussion Guide that will help us think about this. We will talk about how to dress warmly, what to do if we see ice, and even how to stay hydrated even though it's cold!"
(Teacher facilitates discussion using the Winter Weather Discussion Guide. After the discussion, transition to the worksheet.)
(Teacher says): "You all shared some fantastic ideas about staying safe! Now, let's practice what we've learned with a Winter Safety Worksheet. I'll hand it out, and we can work through some of the questions together. Feel free to ask me if you need help, or you can even share your answers with a partner."
(Teacher distributes the Winter Safety Worksheet and guides students through completion, offering support.)
Wrap-Up: Winter Weather Recap (5 minutes)
(Teacher navigates to Slide 7: Winter Winners!)
(Teacher says): "Wow, you've all been amazing winter weather wonders today! Before we finish, I want everyone to think of one new thing they learned about winter weather or how to stay safe. Who would like to share?"
(Teacher says): "Excellent shares, everyone! Remember, winter can be a lot of fun, especially when we are prepared. Always try to stay warm by dressing in layers, and always be careful when you are outside, especially if it's icy. By following these tips, you can be a winter winner and stay healthy and happy all season long!"
(Teacher collects the Winter Safety Worksheet.)
Reading
All About Winter Weather!
Winter is a very special season. It comes after autumn and before spring. During winter, the weather gets much colder. We often see some exciting changes outside!
Cold Temperatures
One of the biggest things about winter is how cold it gets. The air feels chilly, and sometimes water can even turn into ice! It is very important to wear warm clothes in winter to keep our bodies cozy and healthy.
Snow, Snow, Snow!
Many places get snow in winter. Snow is like tiny frozen water droplets that fall from the sky. It looks white and soft, like a blanket covering the ground. We can play in the snow by making snow angels or building snowmen! But remember, snow can also make things slippery.
Icy Situations
Sometimes, instead of snow, we get ice. Ice is frozen water that is very hard and slippery. It can be on sidewalks, roads, and even on cars. Walking or driving on ice can be dangerous because it's easy to slip and fall, or for cars to slide. We need to be extra careful when there is ice outside.
Keeping Warm and Safe
To stay safe and warm in winter, we should always:
- Wear warm clothes: Put on a heavy coat, a hat, gloves or mittens, and a scarf. Warm boots keep our feet dry and toasty.
- Be careful outside: If it is icy or snowy, walk slowly and watch where you step. Hold onto railings if you can.
- Stay inside when it's too cold: Sometimes, it's just too cold or icy to play outside. That's a good time to stay inside where it's warm and safe.
- Drink warm drinks: Hot chocolate or tea can help warm us up from the inside!
Winter weather can be beautiful and fun, but it's important to know how to stay safe and warm. By dressing properly and being aware of our surroundings, we can enjoy all the wonders of winter!
Worksheet
Winter Safety Worksheet
Name: _____________________________
Part 1: Dress for Winter! (Circle the correct answers)
Circle the clothes you should wear to stay warm in winter.
- Which one keeps your head warm?
- A. Baseball Cap
- B. Winter Hat
- C. Sunglasses
- Which one keeps your hands warm?
- A. Mittens
- B. T-shirt
- C. Sandals
- Which one keeps your body warm?
- A. Swimsuit
- B. Winter Coat
- C. Shorts
- Which one keeps your feet warm and dry?
- A. Flip-flops
- B. Sneakers
- C. Winter Boots
Part 2: Be Safe in Winter! (Answer the questions)
- What should you do if you see ice on the sidewalk?
- A. Run fast!
- B. Walk slowly and carefully.
- C. Jump on it.
- Why is it important to wear warm clothes in winter?
- Name one fun thing you can do in winter, and one way to stay safe while doing it.
Discussion
Winter Weather Discussion Guide
(Teacher Note: Use these prompts to encourage conversation among students. Encourage everyone to participate and share their ideas in a respectful way.)
Discussion Topic 1: Staying Warm
- What are some of your favorite warm clothes to wear when it's cold outside?
- Why do we need to wear different clothes in winter compared to summer?
- What happens if we don't wear enough warm clothes when it's cold?
Discussion Topic 2: Being Careful Outside
- Have you ever seen snow or ice before? What did it look like or feel like?
- What are some dangers of snow and ice? (Think about walking, playing, or being near roads.)
- What can we do to be extra careful when we are walking on snowy or icy sidewalks?
- If you see someone slip, what could you do to help them?
Discussion Topic 3: Winter Fun & Hydration
- What are some fun things people do in winter? (e.g., sledding, building snowmen, drinking hot chocolate)
- Even though it's cold, why is it still important to drink water or other liquids?
- What are some warm drinks you like to have in winter?
Discussion Topic 4: Helping Others
- What if you see a friend outside who isn't wearing enough warm clothes? What could you say or do?
- How can we help our family or neighbors prepare for winter weather?
Answer Key
Winter Safety Worksheet Answer Key
Part 1: Dress for Winter! (Circle the correct answers)
-
Which one keeps your head warm?
- B. Winter Hat
- Thought Process: A baseball cap might keep sun out, and sunglasses protect eyes, but a winter hat is designed to cover the head and ears for warmth in cold weather.
-
Which one keeps your hands warm?
- A. Mittens
- Thought Process: A T-shirt is for the body and sandals are for feet. Mittens cover hands and are designed for warmth.
-
Which one keeps your body warm?
- B. Winter Coat
- Thought Process: A swimsuit is for swimming and shorts are for warm weather. A winter coat is thick and insulated to keep the body warm in cold temperatures.
-
Which one keeps your feet warm and dry?
- C. Winter Boots
- Thought Process: Flip-flops and sneakers are not designed for warmth or protection from snow and water. Winter boots are waterproof and insulated to keep feet warm and dry in winter conditions.
Part 2: Be Safe in Winter! (Answer the questions)
-
What should you do if you see ice on the sidewalk?
- B. Walk slowly and carefully.
- Thought Process: Running fast or jumping on ice is dangerous and can lead to falls and injuries. Walking slowly and carefully, and looking for clear spots, helps prevent slipping.
-
Why is it important to wear warm clothes in winter?
- Sample Answer: It is important to wear warm clothes in winter to keep our bodies from getting too cold. Being too cold can make us feel uncomfortable or even sick. Warm clothes, like coats, hats, and gloves, trap our body heat and protect us from the cold air, snow, and ice.
-
Name one fun thing you can do in winter, and one way to stay safe while doing it.
- Sample Answer: One fun thing to do in winter is building a snowman. To stay safe while building a snowman, I should make sure I am wearing my warm coat, hat, gloves, and boots so I don't get too cold or wet. I should also make sure to build it in a safe area, away from roads or busy places.