Take a look at this week's El Niño-inspired assembly and classroom resources here! Last week's record-breaking heatwave, which saw the UK surpass its previous June temperature record from 1976, was a challenging one for schools. From cancelled sports days and adapted timetables to early closures in some areas, many teachers found themselves adapting plans at short notice as well as having to cope in the heat themselves. As forecasters warn that periods of extreme heat could become more common, it raises an interesting question: how much should the weather influence our decisions? This week's Picture News story explores El Niño, a natural climate pattern that begins in the Pacific Ocean and can affect weather in different parts of the world. Understanding weather through a primary school assembly discussion Rather than viewing last week's heatwave as an isolated event, children are encouraged to explore the wider science behind changing weather patterns. Last week's heatwave provided a real-life context that many children experienced first-hand, making it an ideal starting point for exploring why weather events happen and how they can affect different parts of the world. By introducing El Niño, the assembly encourages children to see weather as part of a wider global system rather than a series of isolated events. As they consider how scientists monitor weather patterns and help communities prepare for uncertainty, children are encouraged to reflect on the role reliable information plays in helping people make thoughtful decisions. Assembly resource used to support discussion about El Niño and weather forecasting PSHE, British Values and Protected Characteristics classroom discussion in primary schools This story encourages children to think about how the decisions we make can affect both ourselves and others. As they explore different responses to changing weather conditions, children are encouraged to consider why people may make different choices based on the information they receive and their own circumstances. The British Values, Protected Characteristics and Reflection activities extend this discussion by encouraging children to consider different viewpoints, reflect on the needs of others and recognise that thoughtful decisions are not always about finding a single 'right' answer. Instead, children are supported to justify their own thinking while listening respectfully to the perspectives of others. British Values and Protected Characteristics resources designed to help support children share their opinions and agree/disagree with others respectfully Questions to support classroom discussion · How can events happening thousands of miles away influence the weather where we live? · How should people decide when it's time to change their plans or actions because of the weather? · Can you think of a time when you changed your plans because of the weather? Looking back, do you think it was the right decision? · Why might the same weather forecast lead different people to make different decisions? · How important is it to check the weather forecast before making plans? Are forecasts always enough on their own? Using current events in primary school assemblies and lessons Last week's heatwave may be over, but conversations about our changing weather are unlikely to end there. How much should the weather influence our decisions? Building on a week in which many schools, families and communities adapted their plans, this week's story encourages children to consider how people decide when it's time to change their actions and why those decisions may look different for different people. · The reflection page supports the final part of the assembly, helping to draw together learning Explore this resource further here!
