Using LearnEnglish Kids - British Council


	Your child can practise listening for specific weather words with an online activity.

more tips

what's the weather like?

Ideas for activities about the topic of weather with primary learners on Language Assistant. Some of the ideas will be useful for parents too.

the seasons

Ideas for classroom activities about the seasons for primary children on Language Assistant. Useful links for teachers and parents about the topic.

four seasons

Ideas for teachers about the topic of the four seasons on Language Assistant. Activities suitable for teenagers and older learners.

climate change

A lesson plan for teachers of teenagers and older learners about climate change on Language Assistant. Useful links.

the weather

Teachers can find notes about using the weather resources on LearnEnglish Kids in the classroom on the BBC/British council website for teachers ,Teaching English.

	using learnenglish kids with your child


	Weather

The weather is a common topic for young learners. It often appears in coursebooks, and in courses. It is also often a subject of the school curriculum. You'll find activities about the weather on LearnEnglish Kids:
http://www.britishcouncil.org/kids-topics-weather

			With these materials your child can:
			practise simple words for weather
			practise words for cold weather
			learn about extreme weather around the world
			practise listening for specific information
			practise reading and find information to complete a weather map
			listen to songs about the weather
			read a story about weather conditions around the world

The activities range from the simple (practising weather words such as 'sun') to more complex activities (such as doing a quiz about weather extremes). On the topics page you'll find symbols which give an indication of the best ages for each activity.

You can use these materials to practise English with your child. On this page you'll find an idea for an activity you can try with your child. On the left you'll also see a list of links to resources about this topic on teaching websites that you may find useful.

SOMETHING TO DO WITH YOUR CHILD

What's the Weather Like? is an activity that helps your child practise weather words, but your child can also practise listening skills if they like.

Who is it for? The activity is suitable for children aged 7-12. Children who have a basic knowledge of English can do this activity.

Before the activity: Before you do the activity it is a good idea to introduce weather words to your child, or revise weather words if your child has already studied them. You could use the flashcards to do this. When your child is familiar with the words, move on to the activity.

The activity: The weather man is giving the weather news for the world. It is a good idea to discuss what is happening with your child. Ask questions like: Who is this person? (A weatherman). What is he doing? (He's telling us what the weather is like). You should also talk about the weather symbols and the countries listed. You can do this in your own language if you like, the important thing is that your child is prepared to do the activity. Make sure your child understands what they will have to do in the activity. Now click 'GO'!

If your child wants to practise listening they should click the 'Text on/off' button to switch off the text (you can always look at the text later). The child listens to the weather news and moves the appropriate symbols to the right country. For example, if they hear 'In England it is raining' they move the 'raining' symbol to the 'England' square with the mouse.

Your child may not understand every word, and this is not important. Your child is practising listening for key information (for example 'England' and 'raining'). Your child should move as many symbols as possible. They can listen again if they like. It is important that your child feels encouraged and enjoys the activity.

			After the activity: Here is something you can do to practise the language used in this activity.
			Draw the weather symbols. You can copy the symbols on the activity.
			Draw, find or print a map of your country.
			Write the names of the areas or cities on the map.
			Describe the weather in these areas or cities. You can invent this - it doesn't have to be true! For example, 'In the north it is raining.'
			Your child should listen and put the symbols on the map.
			Now ask your child to give the weather news, and you put the symbols on the map.