Make your own preschool Weather Board

I remember doing a weather activity in school as a small child where we selected the picture that matched the day's weather and put it on the board.  A quick search for one revealed that you can purchase them, but nice ones can be pricey!  Being the thrifty mama I am, I decided to make one.

I started with a nifty little Freecycle item, but if you are not fortunate enough to find one of these, don't worry!

I have created 5 day and 7 day printable charts. Just print and use adhesive velcro dots instead of the magnetic tape I used on the backs of my weather symbols. You may prefer to print this at 11x17. In which case, you should be able to get this done for you at a copy center for less than $2. As for durability, I'm known for laminating everything that doesn't run faster than I do. If you don't have a laminator or this is too big for yours, my husband favors a sheet of foam core board and a can of spray adhesive- this makes a sturdy, lightweight poster that you can hang on the wall with more velcro dots. The kids may rip it down, but it goes right back up. Even if they fold, spindle, and mutilate it occasionally, chances are you can just glue down a new printout of the chart and be good as new.

Here is the PDF of the weather symbols. If you print four copies, you'll have eight of each symbol, so you'll have enough for the week and one to get lost. Unless you want to go "Eight Days a Week," but that's a story for another day.

I printed the symbols, cut them out, laminated them, and applied magnetic tape to the back of each one. Then I stored them in a small basket under my weekly weather board and each "school" day during circle time I allow the children to pick out the "right" magnet and put it on the board.

If you are not doing home preschool, you could make this part of the getting dressed routine at home. I remember doing this activity in Kindergarden and loving it!