Why is this group called the Weather Wise Crew?
The name "Weather Wise" is a play on the idea that emotions are like weather:
Emotions are temporary - no storm lasts forever, and no single feeling lasts forever (even though it sometimes feel like it might!) This perspective gives children hope during difficult times.
Emotions come in different sizes - acknowledging, for example, sadness can be a "light sprinkle" one day and a "downpour" the next helps children describe their experiences with greater precision using language they are already familiar with.
Problems come in different sizes - fostering self-efficacy is crucial; a child can prepare for an handle a rain shower by themselves (just like they can handle disappointment when a friend doesn't want to play) but would need help to handle a hurricane (if a family member died). We relate this to kid-sized problems v. adult-sized problems.
Can I control this? Helping children understand what they can and cannot control. Our example is that you can prepare if you know it will rain (rain boots and jacket) but you can't stop the rain from coming. Sometimes we're surprised by the weather (or a situation) but we can problem solve in the moment!
CASEL Domains: Self-Awarness, Self-Management, Relationship Skills
Session 1: Welcome to Weather Wise!
Objective: Students begin building rapport with one another, establish connections, and understand the purpose of the group.
CASEL Standard(s): Self-Awareness
ASCA Mindsets/Behaviors: Self-confidence in ability to succeed; create positive and supportive relationships
Today, our group engaged in a number of activities. See what we did, below!
Group Greeting: Sunshine, Cloud, Rainbow
The purpose of this activity is to intentionally notice and appreciate the good alongside the difficult—is a core principle in the field of positive psychology and directly addresses a cognitive phenomenon called the negativity bias.
"Would You Rather" - relationship building, rapport, and fun
Pre-Survey - the student surveys provided key insights into their thought processes, helping us prioritize next steps.
🏠Bring it Home - we do this each night in my house and it really works!🏠
☀️ Your Sunshine - Share the best part of your day. What was a positive surprise? What made you feel genuinely happy?
☁️ Your Cloud - Share one small challenge, frustration, or negative moment. What was a little "drizzle" or "fog" in your day?
🌈 Your Rainbow - Share something you're looking forward to, or something you learned from your "cloud." What is your hope for tomorrow?
This routine helps counteract the natural tendency to only talk about the negative (negativity bias). By forcing yourself to name a Sunshine and a Rainbow for every Cloud, you teach your brain to actively search for the good in every day.
Session 2: Emotions
Objective: Students will practice identifying and expressing their feelings/emotions.
CASEL Standard(s): Self-Awareness
ASCA Mindsets/Behaviors: Use effective oral communication skills; create positive and supportive relationships
Sharing Emotions & Building Connection
Having children share emotions with each other is important for:
Normalization of Experience: Hearing that peers feel similar emotions—such as anxiety when plans change or excitement about a break—helps a student realize their feelings are normal and they aren't alone.
Building Empathy: Listening to a friend's feelings helps students practice empathy, learning to see things from another's perspective and respond with care.
🏠Bring it Home - Turn a regular game like UNO or Candyland into an opportunity to share and discuss emotions.