An At-Home Literacy Lesson Plan Crafted by BGCHarlem Literacy Specialist Fabiola Marceline Augustin
Parents:
Emotions are natural and fleeting, just like passing clouds, rain, or the shining sun.
In this lesson, students learn how to be mindful of their emotions and discuss how emotions change, just like the weather.
Using weather to explore emotions, encourages students to identify non-verbal forms of communication.
Whether it’s serene calm or tense drama, said emotions can be conveyed without the need for words. The “Forecast of Feelings” will help students explore their emotions and the role weather can play in emphasizing your mood.
This is an excellent way to encourage social-emotional development as well as explore the emotional day to day effect of weather.
If your child cannot read, read the text out loud to them. Ask them the questions and have them respond and/ or solve on a separate sheet of paper.
If your child can read, simply give then the second page of this handout and have them read the text out loud or in their head.
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Materials: A partner, blank paper, emotions worksheet, pen or pencil, Internet access/YouTube, and crayons
Addresses Common Core Standards:
Students:
Step 1
Before reading, ask students to share their feelings on the different types of weather. Discuss how different weather makes us feel and what we do to prepare ourselves for the weather.
For example, we wear sunscreen when it is really hot, a warm coat when it is snowing, a raincoat if it is rainy, etc.)
Ask students to begin thinking about how their feelings and emotions are a lot like the weather. Following the prompt below:
Ask students, "What is the weather today?"
Ask, "Is weather a natural thing?"
Say, "Yes, it is, just like emotions are natural."
Ask, "What are emotions? Can you name any?"
Write their responses on a piece of paper
Ask, "If 'happy' was the weather, what would it be?"
Draw a picture of the sun next to the word "happy" on the piece of paper.
Ask, "If 'anger' was the weather, what would it be?"
Draw a picture of a thundercloud next to the word "anger" on the piece of paper.
Explain that all of the different emotions we may feel in our "inner weather" are totally normal, just like changing clouds, passing rain, or shining sun.
Step 2
Students will view the brief read along “My Inside Weather”. Students will then discuss questions and complete the exercise below.
Discussion Questions/ Exercise:
Ask, "What stood out for you in the book? Since we can't change our emotions, what can we do?"
Explain that we can accept them just as they are.
Ask the student to take a pause and notice their inner weather.
Ask them to close their eyes or look down and to notice any emotions in their body.
Instruct them to keep their eyes lowered and to raise their hand if they are feeling sunny or happy.
Then ask students to raise their hand if they feel cloudy or down.
Ask the student to name their emotion in their mind.
Ask the student to take a few deep breaths and to open their eyes when they are ready.
Step 3
Review and model your answers to the “Emotions Are Like the Weather” worksheet. Use crayons to draw different types of weather.
Afterward, students will present their drawings and emotions upon completion.
Congratulate them on a job well done and for their openness in exploring their emotions.
* Having trouble expressing yourself? Here is a Cheat Sheet.
Follow BGCHarlem social media channels for daily updates. Students, we would love to see your work! Be sure to upload a picture of yourself with your completed lessons using the hashtag #BGCHarlem.
View our additional 'Resources For Students & Parents for Dealing with COVID-19' HERE