Are you studying clouds and weather with your kids? Here are some fun resources that are perfect for an all about clouds unit study.
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I’ve always loved looking up at the sky with my kiddos and observing the clouds we see. That’s why it’s so exciting to find new resources to help us learn more about cloud formation and the different cloud types. That’s also where Thomas Locker’s Cloud Dance comes into the picture for us.
Using a combination of stunning artwork and poetic text, Cloud Dance looks at clouds season by season and showcases their beauty along with scientific explanations behind their formations and variations.
If you’re only going to read one book about clouds, it’s the one to read. That mix of art and science sets the stage for an all about clouds unit study like no other book can!
Clouds Unit Study Resources
In addition to Cloud Dance, Groovy Fun with Clouds is a great resource for learning about clouds. It includes a basic overview of cloud types, plus instructions for a Cloud in a Jar demonstration.
If you’d rather include something more comprehensive, you can’t go wrong with Our Journey Westward’s Captivating Clouds unit.
It’s got plenty of cloud-themed nature walk suggestions, hands-on activities, and notebooking pages to cover your entire study. Better yet, it’s written for 1-8th graders, but can be adapted as needed for older or younger kids. That makes it perfect for homeschool families.
All About Clouds: What to Read
Cloud Dance is my go-to when it comes to books about clouds, but that doesn’t mean it’s the only one worth reading. Here are a few others you may like to include in your study:
- Little Cloud – This Eric Carle classic is great for explaining changes in clouds to younger kiddos.
- It Looked Like Spilt Milk – This one focuses on all the fun shapes we often spot in the clouds. It’s simple and has minimal text, making it perfect for short attention spans. :)
- Clouds (Let’s-Read-and-Find-Out Science) – Best for younger kiddos, this book still has colorful illustrations, but approaches clouds from a nonfiction perspective.
- The Cloud Book – Another classic book about clouds, Tomie dePaola provides a great overview about clouds for younger kids.
- DK Eyewitness Weather – While it’s not exclusively about clouds, this is a great nonfiction option for older kids. It’s especially helpful if you want lots of photos on hand for your cloud unit study.
- The Everything KIDS’ Weather Book – Also for older kids, this one is full of facts, games, and puzzles and does a great job helping kids connect the dots between clouds and other weather-related happenings.
- Look at the Sky and Tell the Weather – I’m including this one in this list because it’s one of my teenager’s favorite weather reads. This title from Eric Sloane is a great choice for an older kiddo who wants to dig in and learn more about clouds and weather systems.
Learning About Clouds: What to Watch
I’m always a fan of incorporating some smart TV time into whatever we’re covering in our homeschool. Here are some of the options I found on clouds:
- The Water Cycle and Cloud Formation* – This documentary gives a good overview of cloud formation and the different types of clouds.
- The Dr. Binocs Show (Season 1, Episode 2)* – This animated short about the water cycle is a quick way to explain how clouds form.
- Netflix’s Magic School Bus Rides Again (Season 2, Episode 8) “Send in the Clouds”
- Why Do Clouds Stay Up?
- How Did Clouds Get Their Names?
* You can find these videos on Amazon Prime and add them to your watchlist to use throughout your study. Easy peasy. (That’s your friendly reminder that Prime membership is useful for more than getting your Downton Abbey fix. ;) )
More Cloud Unit Study Ideas
Want some lesson plans and hands-on ideas to help with your all about clouds unit study? Here are a few fun ideas you can use for inspiration:
- NOVA’s Cloud Lab Lesson Plan – You can access this comprehensive lesson for grades 6-12 through your free PBS Learning Media account.
- Ink Blot Clouds from Teach Beside Me – This one is nice on its own, but is made to go with Eric Carle’s Little Cloud
- Head in the Clouds writing activity – Download the instructions for this one through your free education.com account. (You can also find a ton of other cloud unit study ideas there. Just search and narrow down according to the ages of your kids.)
- Cloud Slime Recipe – This fun twist on slime really does look like a cloud!
- How to Draw Clouds Tutorial – This is a great help for anyone who isn’t quite sure how to draw clouds.
- Cloud sewing project – Have your kiddos get hands on by tracing the same cloud shape on two sheets of felt, cutting them out, stuffing them, and then sewing them together.
Nature Book Club – Monthly Linkup
October Theme: Weather & Storms
Nature Book Club is a monthly linkup beginning on the 20th day of each month. It’s a monthly book club devoted to connecting children to nature.