Grade R Home Language Lesson Plan: Winter
Materials Needed:
– Picture storybook about winter (e.g., “Ben and the Snowman”)
– Flashcards with winter-related vocabulary
– Whiteboard and markers
– Craft materials (cotton wool, blue and white paper, scissors, glue)
– Crayons and colouring sheets with winter scenes
– Speaker for playing winter-themed songs or sounds
Learning Objectives:
– Learners will identify and describe winter weather conditions.
– Learners will learn and use winter-related vocabulary.
– Learners will demonstrate creativity through a winter-themed craft activity.
Vocabulary:
1. Winter – The coldest season of the year.
2. Snow – Frozen water that falls in flakes.
3. Ice – Water that has frozen solid and is cold.
4. Cold – Lower than normal temperature that makes us feel chilly.
5. Mittens – Warm gloves that keep our hands warm in winter.
Previous Learning:
Students have previously learned about the four seasons, focusing on the basic characteristics of each season. They have discussed summer and autumn, including weather patterns and clothing appropriate for those seasons.
Anticipated Challenges and Solutions:
– Challenge: Some learners may struggle to express themselves verbally in describing winter.
– Solution: Encourage peer discussions in pairs before speaking out loud. Use prompts and guiding questions to help them articulate their thoughts.
Beginning Activities (4 minutes):
– Greet the learners and gather them in a circle.
– Introduce the topic of winter by asking questions such as “What do you think winter is like?” and “What do you wear in winter?”
– Show the picture storybook and briefly discuss the cover, encouraging predictions about the story’s content.
Middle Activities (32 minutes):
1. Story Time (10 minutes):
– Read the storybook about winter aloud. Pause to point out and discuss illustrations that show winter activities and weather.
- Vocabulary Introduction (5 minutes):
- Introduce the vocabulary words using flashcards. Show images and ask learners to repeat the words. Discuss the words’ meanings verbally.
- Group Discussion (5 minutes):
- Ask guiding questions about the story and the winter vocabulary. For example, “What do we see in winter?” and “How do we keep warm?”
- Craft Activity (12 minutes):
- Distribute craft materials. Instruct learners to create a winter scene using cotton wool to represent snow and blue/white paper for the background. Encourage them to incorporate elements like mittens or snowmen.
End Activities (4 minutes):
– Gather the learners back in a circle.
– Allow a few children to share their winter crafts and explain what they created.
– Play a short winter-themed song, inviting learners to dance and move as they celebrate winter.
Assessment and Checks for Understanding:
– Throughout the lesson, observe participation in discussions and story comprehension.
– Evaluate the crafts based on creativity and understanding of the winter theme.
– Use questioning during the story reading and discussion to assess individual understanding of vocabulary.
Differentiation Strategies for Diverse Learners:
– Provide additional descriptions and visual aids for learners who need help with vocabulary.
– Allow for peer support during the craft activity for those who may need assistance.
– Offer extension activities such as drawing their favourite winter memory for advanced learners.
Teaching Notes:
– Emphasise the importance of the seasons and how they affect our environment and activities.
– Support learners with disabilities by providing larger print materials, and ensure that all craft supplies are easily accessible.
– Encourage a warm and inclusive classroom environment where all contributions are valued.
This lesson should be engaging and interactive, helping young learners explore the concept of winter through various senses and activities.