Lesson 131: The sun gives us light and warmth

Objective

I can explain that the sun is a star that gives Earth light and warmth. I can tell how the sun helps us see in the daytime, keeps Earth warm enough for living things, and why we must use sun safety.

Materials

• A window or safe place where you can see the sky (if possible)
• Small objects to make shadows (toy, cup, pencil, or small block)
• A lamp or torch to model the sun indoors (optional)
• Pencil and notebook or scrap paper

Mini-lesson — The sun gives us light and warmth

Guided Practice — Watch how the sun helps us

You will notice how the sun gives light and warmth and how it makes shadows. Use the questions to guide the talk.

1. Look outside: If you can see the sky, look out of a window with an adult. Is the sun out or is it cloudy?
2. Feel the air: If it is safe, step outside for a moment. Does the air feel warm or cool? Explain that the warmth comes from the sun.
3. Find a shadow: Hold a small object (toy, cup, or pencil) so the sun shines on it. Look on the ground or wall for the shadow.
4. Move the object: Slowly move the object and watch how the shadow moves too. The object blocks the light and makes the shadow.
5. Think about day and night: Talk about how when the sun is in our sky it is day, and when our part of Earth turns away, it is night.
6. Talk about safety: Remind the child: "We never look straight at the sun. We can use hats and shade."
7. Use the tracing pad: Choose words like sun, light, warm, day, or shade from the dropdown. Trace them slowly and say each word aloud.

Tracing Pad

Lines Primary lines Baseline only Grid Blank Trace (none) sun Earth light warm day night star shade safe sky

Pen Clear

Tip: After you trace the words, write one sentence such as "The sun gives us light" or "The sun keeps Earth warm".

Practice 1 — Daytime or night?

Talk through each idea and decide if it sounds like daytime or night.

• Children are playing outside and can clearly see their toys.
• The sky is dark and you can see stars.
• Birds are singing and the sun is bright in the sky.
• Most people are in bed and the street lights are on.

For each one, say if the sun is in our sky or if our part of Earth has turned away from the sun.

Practice 2 — What would happen without the sun?

Imagine what Earth would be like with no sun. Talk or draw ideas.

1. Draw a picture of Earth with the sun shining. Show plants, animals, and people.
2. Next to it, draw Earth with no sun. What would happen to light and warmth?
3. Talk about why plants, animals, and people need the sun to live.

Use simple sentences like "Without the sun it would be too cold" or "Without the sun we would not have daytime".

Practice 3 — Sun safety choices

For each idea, decide if it is a safe or unsafe way to be in the sun.

• Wearing a hat and playing in the shade when the sun feels strong.
• Staring straight at the sun to see how bright it is.
• Asking an adult to help put on sun cream before going to the beach.
• Staying outside for a long time in the hot sun with no shade.

Explain which ideas are safe and which are not, and why we want to protect our eyes and skin.

Quick Check — The sun gives us light and warmth

Answer each question about the sun. Think about how it gives Earth light and warmth, and how we can be safe.

Assessment (parent/teacher)

Exit ticket (student)