Grade R Life Skills Lesson Plan: Winter

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Grade R Life Skills Lesson Plan: Winter

Materials Needed:
– Picture books about winter (e.g. “The Snowy Day” by Ezra Jack Keats)
– Craft supplies (cotton balls, blue and white paper, scissors, glue)
– Winter clothing items (hats, gloves, scarves for demonstration)
– Audio recording of winter sounds (wind, snow, etc.)
– Markers and crayons
– Projector for images of winter scenes

Learning Objectives:
By the end of the lesson, learners will be able to:
– Identify and describe characteristics of winter (cold weather, snow).
– Recognise and name types of winter clothing.
– Create a winter craft (snowflakes or winter scene).
– Discuss how they feel about winter and different winter activities.

Vocabulary:
1. Winter: The coldest season of the year, often with snow.
2. Snow: White flakes that fall from the sky in winter.
3. Cold: A low temperature that makes us feel chilly.
4. Clothing: Items we wear to keep warm (like jackets, hats, and gloves).
5. Snowman: A figure made of snow, usually with a carrot for a nose.

Previous Learning:
In previous lessons, learners explored different seasons (spring, summer, autumn) and discussed how each season affects the environment and activities. They also learned about basic weather concepts such as sunny, rainy, and windy.

Anticipated Challenges and Solutions:
– Challenge: Some learners might struggle to express their feelings about winter.
– Solution: Use prompts and guiding questions to help them articulate their thoughts. Offer sentence starters like “In winter, I feel… because…”.

  • Challenge: Fine motor skills may limit learners’ ability to cut paper.
  • Solution: Provide larger scissors and allow helpers to assist with cutting if necessary.

Beginning Activities (4 minutes)

  1. Introduction (2 minutes):
  2. Greet learners and introduce the topic of winter. Display a picture book cover and ask if anyone knows what happens in winter.
  3. Prior Knowledge Activation (2 minutes):
  4. Show images of winter scenes and ask learners to describe what they see (e.g., snow, trees without leaves).

Middle Activities (32 minutes)

  1. Story Time (10 minutes):

  2. Read a picture book about winter. Pause to discuss illustrations and ask questions.

  3. Discussion (8 minutes):

  4. Talk about winter clothing. Show items (hats, scarves, gloves) and ask learners to name them. Discuss why we wear these in winter.

  5. Use a few prompts such as: “What do you wear when it’s cold?” and “How does winter make you feel?”

  6. Craft Activity (14 minutes):

  7. Guide learners in creating a winter craft. They can make snowflakes using cotton balls and blue/white paper or create a winter scene.
  8. Encourage them to share their crafts with a partner and explain what they made.

End Activities (4 minutes)

  1. Reflection (2 minutes):

  2. Gather learners and ask them to share one thing they learned about winter today.

  3. Exit Ticket (2 minutes):

  4. Give each learner a crayon. Ask them to draw something they like about winter on a small piece of paper and give it to the teacher as they leave.

Assessment and Checks for Understanding:

  • Participation in discussions and sharing thoughts about winter.
  • Observation of learners during the craft activity to ensure understanding of winter themes.
  • Exit ticket drawing assessed for comprehension of winter characteristics.

Differentiation Strategies for Diverse Learners:

  • Scaffolding: Provide templates or pre-cut items for those who struggle with scissors.
  • Extension: For learners who finish early, encourage them to add more elements to their crafts or write a sentence about their favourite winter activity.

Teaching Notes:

  • Incorporate sensory experiences with audio recordings of winter sounds to enhance the atmosphere.
  • Ensure all craft materials are non-toxic and accessible for learners with allergies (consider alternatives if necessary).
  • Be mindful of learners with sensory sensitivities during discussions about cold and snow; focus on the feelings of winter rather than physical sensations when appropriate.

This lesson aims to foster an understanding and appreciation of winter while developing various skills through engaging and interactive activities.