Are you looking for a lesson idea that integrates imagination with science? There’s an event during Crayola Creativity Week that may pique your interest. On January 29th, the creators of Misty the Cloud: A Very Stormy Day will lead a science and art session. Learners will create a cloud character based on a science topic.
Misty the Cloud is a 2022 Kids’ Book Choice Awards winner for Best Illustrated Character. Rosie Butcher illustrated Misty. Dylan Dreyer, a meteorologist, wrote the story with author Alan Katz. This team of experts developed a book that explores emotions and weather.
In the story, Misty wakes up feeling stormy. An airplane interrupted her sleep. Misty tries to change her mood by reading books and reaching out to friends, but nothing works. Finally, a beautiful surprise helps Misty feel better. Readers will find weather facts, activities and tips at the end of the book.
To prepare for the illustration/science event, sign up for Crayola Creativity Week. Then, consider trying one of the lesson ideas below.
Forecasting the Weather Lesson
Are you familiar with Teach Engineering? This website, published by the University of Colorado Boulder, features free educational resources. You can filter lessons and activities by grade level, standards and more. Included is a lesson plan that would be fun to pair with Misty the Cloud.
In the Weather Forecasting: How Predictable! lesson, learners observe and chart the weather. The activity begins with a video about meteorology. Then, learners take daily recordings of the weather. Learners also study local televised weather segments. This lesson will help learners identify weather terminology and make weather predictions.
Compare and Contrast Grumpy Picture Books
Ever have one of those days where you wake up grumpy like Misty? If so, how did you turn things around? This would be a great question to explore with learners. Compare and contrast Misty the Cloud with one of the following books. Consider how the characters worked through their feelings.
- Keep Your Head Up by Aliya King Neil and Charly Palmer: In this story, D faces little problems throughout the day. A cloud hangs over his head. With each complication, his cloud gets bigger and darker. He reminds himself to keep his head up. Teachers check in with him and offer support. But it all becomes too much, and he has a meltdown. Readers will appreciate the realistic perspective this story provides.
- Way Past Mad by Hallee Adelman and Sandra de la Prada: Keya starts her day way past mad. Her little brother keeps messing with her things. She turns her anger on a friend. Keya upsets her friend, and she feels terrible. How can she make things better? Invite readers to develop strategies to help Keya before she gets “way past mad.”
- Sweep by Louise Greig and Júlia Sardà: Ed is in a terrible mood. His emotions take control until he notices something wonderful. He considers what he’ll do the next time he’s in a bad mood. Will he decide to let his emotions grow, or will he let them pass? Discuss how emotions are temporary and practice breathing exercises after reading this story.
Weather Emotions with Crayola Spa for Teachers™
Have you noticed how some describe emotions using weather terms? Here are some examples:
- On cloud nine
- Under the weather
- Weather the storm
- In a fog
- Sunnier side of life
- Rain on your parade
Explore the meaning behind these idioms. Invite learners to choose a phrase to illustrate using different mediums. Check out Crayola Spa for Teachers™ for inspiration. Here you’ll find ideas using clay, chalk and music.
More Ideas from AASL
AASL has plenty of resources to celebrate Crayola Creativity Week. You’ll find literacy connections, research and a webinar for inspiration. Take a look at the offerings. What captures your attention? Be sure to share them with colleagues.
Wondering about the history of crayons? Read The Crayon Man: The True Story of the Invention of Crayola Crayons. Then, visit my blog, Library Lessons, to find a lesson based on the AASL Standards.
Author: Maureen Schlosser
Author: Lessons Inspired by Picture Books for Primary Grades and Social and Emotional Learning for Picture Book Readers published by ALA Editions
Blogger: https://LibraryLessonsWithBooks.com
Skillshare Teacher: https://skl.sh/3a852D5
Categories: Student Engagement/ Teaching Models
Leave a Reply