A guide for using our resources

Children will get answers from a meteorologist about clouds and weather.

Vocabulary: meteorologist, wispy, mammatus clouds

Science Focus: clouds, weather

CCSS (and states that have similar standards): RL.1.1 key details; RF.1.2 consonant blends; RF.1.3 decode words; RI.1.10 read and discuss first-grade texts; W.1.7 participate in research; SL.1.2 ask and answer questions

Simple, spectacular ideas to boost your lessons.

• This classic will stir students’ imaginations with descriptions of funny foods falling from the sky. It will be sure to have your class laughing and talking about weather!

• In this issue, students can find words that begin with the consonant blend cl- . Encourage students to underline each word they find and count how many are in the article! Then challenge students to find words that begin with other consonant blends and circle them. Have volunteers share the beginning words they found! Example include studies, spaceship, blows, pretty, storm, and plane.

Skill: observing, analyzing

Materials: Cloud Watch skill sheet, clipboard, pencil, cotton balls, glue

• Students can go on a nature walk and look out for clouds!
• Provide each student with a skill sheet in a clipboard. Go for a walk outside and stop to look at the clouds. Have students draw a cloud that they see.
• Return to the classroom and have students think about the cloud they drew. What kind of cloud is it? Allow students to refer to their issue to help them identify the
• Ask students to think of their ownwords to describe the cloud.
• Lastly, give students cotton balls and glue to create a threedimensional version of their drawing. You can model using the cotton balls to show puffy clouds, or pulling them apart to show wispy clouds.