A lesson for First Class about the Sun and Shadows, moving from the child’s own experience/knowledge forward that I have found was effective and fun.
Introduction
Today we are going to find out about shadows
Brainstorm about shadows
Focus
Take the children onto the yard (on a Sunny day)
Get them to stand tall/outstretch arms/bend down. Ask them for other suggestions. What do they notice? Get them to experiment with movement/shape and space
Give them chalk to draw each other’s shadow
Divide the children into small groups
Give each group a large white poster sheet and coloured markers. Ask the children to depict what they know about the sun and shadows
Feedback to class with children moving around and looking at each group’s pictorial description of the sun and related experience/knowledge
As a whole class using lower to higher order questions, discuss the children’s own experience and knowledge about the sun. Differentiate questions within the class.
Display posters
Consolidation
Ask the children what they have learned today about the sun and shadows.
Read and learn to recite the poem Scary Shadows by Celia Berrell
“My shadow on a sunny day
When standing clear of any tree
Starts at my feet and makes a shape
Of black that looks a bit like me”
Follow up
Ask the children to stand in the same spot in the yard at arrival and dismissal time and check what do they notice and ideas as to perhaps why