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In
Like a Lion, Out Like a Lamb
In
Like a Lion, Out Like a Lamb
Incorporate a weather activity into your March lessons to
test the famous
March saying. Brainstorm with students what aspects of
weather determine
its ferocity or calmness.
After listing things like temperature extremes and precipitation types
and wind speeds, draw a calendar grid on the chalkboard or large sheet
of paper, then each day, make notes regarding the weather
variables. Review
from week to week, then do a final observation at the end of
the month.
Students can make graphs, vote each day a "lion"
day or "lamb"
day (using stickers or coloring with markers), write a short
story about
March including weather elements, have a meteorologist visit
the classroom,
or correspond with other classrooms via the internet to compare weather
information with them. Save your calendar for next year, and
you can make
comparisons from year to year.
Weather Resources:
- You might visit The
Weather Dude to stock up on his books and CDs, but his website is
also fantastic all by itself. Learn all about different
weather conditions
and seasons.
- NOAA - National
Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration has sections devoted to
kids and teachers. Their Cool Sites for Everyone
includes links
to past
weather. In case you didn't track your area's weather
activity last
March, they did.
- Tracking March weather may open the door to some research
on global
climate change, too.
Also
in March...
St. Patrick's Day, March 17, is a time of parades
and celebration
here in the U.S. In addition to touring the sites below,
consider exploring
with your class how you might celebrate everyone's heritage in
your class.
A Wee Bit of Fun: A history of St. Patrick's Day along with explanations of leprechauns, a Blarney Stone, and why people wear green.
Have your students dedicate study the origin of the flag of Ireland. They will uncover lessons in history and many different Irish flags.
All About Shamrocks: Encourage your class to compare notes on a variety of greens. Three leaves or four? What exactly is clover?
Make the research even "greener" by discussing what types of green ground cover are native to your area. Can you go outside and find some clover?
Who Did Patrick's Homework? by Carol Moore is a charming short story about a boy named Patrick who despised homework, but got some help from an elf.
Who were the Celts? A history of the Celtic people and how they became the occupants of Ireland and Scotland.
More St. Patrick's Day and Irish Resources
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