Children will observe clouds, and then draw or paint what they see.
Learning Area(s): Science; Sensory and Art
MATERIALS
- paper
- paint and paintbrush, colored pencils, or crayons
- blanket
- glue and cotton balls (optional)
LET'S PLAY
Walk outside with your child and lie down on your back on a blanket. Ask her if she sees any clouds. If she does not know what a cloud is, point to one and explain to her that clouds are the white fluffy things that we see in the sky. Then talk about clouds: “Look at the clouds! Sometimes we see white fluffy clouds in the sky, but at other times we see dark clouds. Clouds are very important. We need clouds to bring us water to drink. Dark clouds bring rain. Sometimes when clouds block the sun, they help cool us off so that we’re not so hot. Clouds are also really fun. Sometimes when looking at clouds, you can see shapes. They can even look like animals or people! Let’s look and see if we can see any shapes in the clouds.”
Give your child time to watch the clouds. See what shapes or figures she can find, and point out what you see too. Even if you don’t see the figure your child is describing, encourage her observation and show interest in her ideas. Once you’ve both had a chance to describe a few shapes or figures that you’ve seen, you can record them. Tell her that good scientists always write down or draw what they see so they can remember it.
After making your observations, go back inside to recreate them. Give your child paper and paint, colored pencils, or crayons. Allow her time to creatively draw or make a picture of what she saw in the clouds. Talk about clouds and how they come in different shapes, sizes, and colors while you both work. You can use descriptive words like fluffy, thin, feathery, layered, big, small, white, gray, black, etc.
While you observe or draw, ask her questions such as:
- “What do you think makes the clouds move?”
- “If a cloud keeps getting darker, what do you think will happen next?
- “Are there clouds at night?”
- “You can see clouds and the sun during the day. What do you see in the sky at night?”
TIPS
- This activity will not work on a cloudless or overcast day. Make sure to choose a day when there are many fluffy clouds in the sky to look at.
- Carefully watch to make sure your child isn’t staring into the sun. Choose a location where the sun is not in your direct line of sight when looking at the clouds.
- You can also recreate your cloud shapes by pulling apart and gluing down cotton balls on a paper.
- Children’s excitement about exploring ideas is more important than correct guesses or predictions. Build on that excitement as you explore together!