Oh Say Can You Say What’s the Weather Today? by Tish Rabe and Illustrated by Aristides Ruiz is a book from The Cat in the Hat’s Learning Library. This series is written in the style of Dr. Seuss and provides an educational resource with fun rhymes. I enjoyed this book because it reminds me of the Dr. Seuss classics I read as child but also provides the student with difficult vocabulary but is presented in an exciting way. The book walks through the different types of weather and provides reasons that we need to know what the weather is going to be. The story goes on to explain how we can look at nature for clues on how the weather may be. ” A pine cone can forecast the weather. Here’s why. It’s closed when it’s wet. Opened up when it’s dry. Here is a fact that we cannot explain. Frogs croak a lot more when its going to rain.” I enjoy all of the illustrations and the Seuss made up places like Groogle and Gret At the end of the book, there is a glossary with definitions that are kid friendly and there is also a list of books that could be used to further knowledge on weather.
Curriculum Connections
The book explains the different types of weather that occurs and also explains why it is important to record and measure weather. There is also some explanation on how to read a weather map. (SOL 2.6 a, b, c and 4.6 a). The author also explains what tools are used in determining weather. (SOL 4.6b)
Additional Resources:
The “Weather Dude” is a page by Nick Walker who is a meteorologist with The Weather Channel. His site features explanations on the different types of weather and also has a song to go with each type of weather. Each song provides lyrics and the audio. The songs are catchy and fun to sing too. This could be a fun way to learn about weather.
jetStream- An Online School for Weather is a site provided by the National Weather Service. The site feature background on most weather phenomenons that would be valuable for the teacher and also provides ideas for lesson plans and activities. The site does not only talk about weather, it talks about the ocean and its features.
Mrs.Herbic’s Kindergarten is a great tool for kindergarten teachers with ideas for teaching basic weather and great activities for the students to do. She has lots to offer on her website and it is divided into themes by month. I picked the Spring/Weather page and it is filled with detail photos and ideas for reading. She suggests a big book about weather and provides an idea for a foldable on spring. I like that everything has a picture and you see the students actually doing the activities.
The Weather is a great resource for teaching ELL students about weather and the terms associate with weather. This site has printable flashcards and links to several sites that will assist in the teaching of students that are unfamiliar with the English language. I like how the site is divided into sections and provides easy ways to find what a teacher may be looking for.
General Information
Book: Oh Say Can You Say What’s the Weather Today?
Author: Tish Rabe
Illustrator: Aristides Ruiz
Publisher: Random House
Publication Date: 2004
Pages: 45
ISBN:0375822763