Target Language: any language
Suggested Grade Level: upper primary
Goal(s):
identification of variety of weather conditions through listening, speaking, reading, and writing
identification of weather words from Spanish (tornado) and Taíno Native American (huracán)
Learning Objective(s):
creation of “weather worm” for individual forecasts of weather
Materials/Resources:
17” lengths of extra thick yarn (i.e. Lionbrand “Thick and Quick”) or “Aunt Lydia’s rug yarn” in assorted bright colors; must have minimum of 18-17” lengths per student. Click on link to the right to see samples and colors of yarn.
four smaller 6” lengths of above yarn in assorted colors per student for tying and making upper loop for hanging
laminated weather condition cards on light cardboard with hole punched on side, saying this in target language:
SILLY WEATHER WORM: Hang me outside.
What’s the weather today? The weather worm will tell you!
If … I’m wet … it’s raining. / I’m white … it’s snowing. /
I’m moving … it’s windy. / you can’t see me … it’s foggy. /
I look fine … it’s sunny. / I’m backwards … it’s stormy. /
I disappear ... there’s a hurricane or tornado. /
“Wiggle Eyes” – adhesive (easier) Other brands of eyes can be glued. Use glue gun for permancy if possible.
hole punch
draft copies of weather card on plain copy paper
correction pen for covering minor errors
Activity/reading & writing folders for each child for storage of materials between classes
Procedure for Teaching:
Review weather conditions in target language.
Show sample weather worm.
Pass out draft weather cards.
Children fill in correct missing terms.
Children copy onto light cardboard ones. Then laminate for attachment on worm.
Read completed laminated cards together with class for understanding. Demonstrate different weather conditions with weather worm. Ask students to do the same.
Point out origin of English cognate words “tornado” (Spanish) and “hurricane” (Taíno Native Americans of the Caribbean).
Teacher demonstrates step-by-step on how to make weather worm with yarn. Get as many adult helpers as you can!
To make weather worm:
1.Bunch together lengths of yarn in three’s (18, 21, 24) as desired and tie about one inch from top and make loop.
2.Tie the lengths together again about two inches from that.
3.Braid the rest of the length until you reach about one inch from the bottom, and tie the braid off with a small length.
HOW TO BRAID:
Note: Children should use big, heavy reading textbook or dictionary as a weight for the top of the gathered yarn to keep it in place while braiding. Use directionals in the target language when possible.
Divide yarn into three even sections. Place the left section between your left index finger and thumb, let the middle section hang free and place the right section between your right index finger and thumb.
Grab the middle section with your right middle finger and pull it so it passes behind the right section. Extend your right thumb and index finger so the portion of yarn therein becomes the middle section.
Use the left middle finger to pull the middle section behind the left section. Extend or straighten the left index finger and thumb to make the left section become the middle section.
Shift the portion of yarn hooked in the right middle finger so it sits between the right index finger and thumb. Repeat the process, then shift the portion of the yarn hooked in the left middle finger so it sits between the left index finger and thumb.
Continue until you achieve the desired length of the braid. Make a tighter, more compact braid by pulling the middle section into a horizontal line as you pull it to the right or left. For a loose, elongated braid, simply shift the middle section to the right or left, letting it remain in a vertical line.
Encourage students, along with any adult helpers, who already know how to braid to circulate and help non-experienced students.
4.Glue the eyes onto the two inch opening – head of the weather worm; the tuft above is its hair
5.Attach weather card to weather worm.
Highly recommended option: Pre-assemble weather worm by gathering pieces of yarn and tying top knot for easier assembly.
Attach laminated card to weather worm.
Assessment: Students show own weather worms in front of class and recite card text.
Optional Extension for High-Achievers: Students create booklet with pictures of silly weather worm in these weather conditions.
Home & School Connection: Students explain weather worm with weather card and hang outside their windows for viewing.
See my Art Projects page for classroom management suggestions to make this activity go smoothly.
