During morning gathering, the children came together as a learning community to observe and discuss the weather. Looking out the window, they shared their ideas and personal experiences—some noticed the cloudy sky and moving trees, others wondered if it might snow or rain, and one child shared how the cold weather made them feel chilly on the way to daycare. The children asked thoughtful questions such as, “Why is the sky dark?” and “Is it going to rain?” demonstrating curiosity and critical thinking.
The children took turns placing weather symbols on the chart and discussed what clothing would be appropriate for different weather conditions. This activity supported communication, social collaboration, and self-regulation, as children listened respectfully, waited for their turn, and built on one another’s ideas. Through this shared experience, the children independently observed their environment, made predictions, and expressed their understanding in meaningful ways.
Later, the children explored the snow outdoors. Through imaginative and cooperative play—making snowballs and pretending to shovel snow—they connected their play to real-life experiences at home. This hands-on exploration supported physical development, creativity, and problem-solving, allowing children to deepen their understanding of weather through active play.
Back inside, the children engaged with weather-themed music (“How Is the Weather Today?”) and an interactive book about weather. They eagerly shared their ideas about animals in winter and the types of foods people eat during the season. The children remained engaged, took turns speaking, and showed respect for one another, strengthening their sense of belonging and confidence as learners.
This learning experience reflects the holistic, play-based goals of the FLIGHT framework:
- Well-Being: Children explored how weather affects their bodies, clothing choices, and daily experiences, both indoors and outdoors.
- Play and Playfulness: Learning occurred naturally through imaginative play, music, stories, and hands-on exploration.
- Communication and Literacies: Children expressed ideas, asked questions, listened to others, and engaged with songs and books.
- Social Responsibility and Diversity: Children practiced cooperation, turn-taking, and respect for different perspectives during group discussions.
Dispositions for Learning
Throughout the experience, the children demonstrated key dispositions to learn by showing curiosity, engagement, confidence, creativity, and persistence. They actively participated, made predictions, explored their environment, and connected new learning to their own lived experiences.
This weather exploration supported children as capable, curious learners who construct knowledge through relationships, play, and meaningful experiences—aligning closely with the vision of the FLIGHT framework.
