By Breanna Fisher, Classroom Teacher Grade 5 White
At the start of every unit, we introduce a learning hook. A learning hook is much like opening a gift, it sparks curiosity, excitement, and wonder. It is designed to surprise students, encourage questioning, and connect them to the learning outcomes through an engaging and memorable experience.
The Hook
This year, the Grade 5 team eagerly planned a new unit hook well before the winter break. Everything was carefully organised to create a meaningful shared experience. However, on January 6, while we had full intentions of being in the classroom with our students, Mother Nature had other plans.
As unexpected snowfall blanketed the Netherlands, we found ourselves rethinking schedules and imagining various scenarios for returning to school. Eventually, we did what we hope our students learn to do, we were open minded and quickly brainstormed as thinkers and eventually we pivoted.
Decoding the atmosphere
Our new unit, Decoding the Atmosphere, explores:
- How weather impacts daily life
- Why weather forecasting is important
- The scientific tools used to measure and predict weather
- Different types of weather
- Diverse climate zones around the world
In the end, there was no better learning opportunity than this rare and remarkable snowfall. The snow became the hook.
Hands on learning
Students were able to live the learning rather than simply read about it. They explored snow firsthand, feeling its texture, noticing different types (soft, hard, wet), and questioning how it could be cold enough to snow while the sun was shining. For many of our international students, this was a completely new experience. It also sparked discussions about how countries with regular snowfall continue daily life, while here everything temporarily paused.
As a Grade 5 team, we certainly do not wish for another snowstorm. However, we deeply valued how this moment allowed us to adapt our plans, use the environment as a teacher, and make learning authentic and magical, just as education should be.