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How can you get ready for a big storm?

Severe Weather Unit
Lesson 1 of 3
Severe Weather & Preparation
4.9 (2901 reviews)
Lesson narration:
English Spanish
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Step
01/13
Meet Anton. He lives near a beach in Florida. Sometimes there are
hurricanes like this one. It rains and the wind blows hard! Giant waves
crash onto the land. But Anton isn’t worried.
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Step
02/13
To get ready for the storm, Anton checks his family’s hurricane
supply kit to make sure they have everything they need. Take a look.
Discuss:
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03/13
Now it’s time to pretend. You are going to help get Anton’s house
ready for a hurricane. Stand up and make sure you have some space
to move around.
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04/13
Each window on Anton’s house has storm shutters to protect the
glass from the wind. You are going to close those shutters on every
window. First, watch how to do it. Now it’s your turn.
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05/13
Sara lives in Texas, where there are tornados. A tornado is a powerful
swirling wind. Sarah gets a warning when a tornado is nearby. Listen!
That siren means a tornado is coming!
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06/13
If Sara's at home when she hears the siren, she goes down into the
basement where it’s safe. If she's not at home, she finds a protected
spot where she can hide — maybe under a desk or table. Discuss:
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07/13
We’re going to practice what to do if a tornado is nearby. When you
hear the siren, stand up, then pretend to hide under a table.
The table is pretend, but you really curl up, just like Sara.
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08/13
Russell lives in Minnesota, where there are blizzards, storms with lots
and lots of snow. The weather report on Russell’s computer warns
Russell when a blizzard is on the way.
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09/13
Once the snow is falling, Russell and his family will stay inside where
it’s warm! Think about what they might need while they are waiting
for the snow to stop. Discuss:
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10/13
We thought everything in the picture could be useful in a blizzard —
except the swimsuit! It’s really important to have clothes that keep
you warm, food to eat, and water to drink.
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11/13
Sometimes in a big storm, the electricity goes out! If that happens,
Russell’s dad builds a fire to keep the house warm. He’ll need
firewood! Let’s pretend to get some! Stand up and get ready!
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12/13
It’s time to pretend. Pick up firewood and put it in your arms, like this.
One stick, two sticks, three sticks, four sticks, five sticks! Carry the
wood to the fireplace so it’s there when you need it!
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13/13
Now you’ve learned about three different kinds of storms:
hurricanes, tornadoes, and blizzards. And now you know how to get
ready for those storms so you can stay safe. Discuss:
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Slide Image
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weather


1 of 11

what the air is like at a particular time and place
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rain


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water drops that fall from clouds
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snow


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solid water that falls from the sky when it's very cold outside

wind


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moving air
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storm


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weather that usually includes strong wind and rain or snow
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lightning


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a spark that causes a flash of light during a thunderstorm

thunder


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a rumbling sound during a storm, often after a flash of lightning
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tornado


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a storm with very strong winds in the shape of a funnel
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hurricane


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a storm with very strong winds
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blizzard


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a storm with lots of snow and strong winds
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observe


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to pay close attention to something
🎉 That’s it for this lesson! How did it go?

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How can you get ready for a big storm?
Severe Weather Unit
Lesson 1 of 3
Severe Weather & Preparation
4.9 (2901 reviews)

Featured Reviews

“We loved this activity for many reasons! Some kids found it fascinating learning about different storm types. That info sparked a wonderful conversation. Others loved the movement activities. and practicing for a storm even. Others liked choosing what kids might need for the storm. There was something for everyone in this lesson! Thanks!”
· Terry · Teacher
“Great lesson. I loved all the stopping for discussion and the visual and physical practice of safety moves.”
· Karla · Teacher
“We liked acting out how to stay safe. ”
· Patricia · Teacher
“This was a wonderful, age appropriate way to discuss different types of weather and how we prepare. This lesson captivated my son!”
· Emily · Homeschooler
“It was perfect, because we did it JUST before a big rain fall and the kids really brought in great observations from real life :) They liked the book a lot! :) ”
· Chyna · Teacher
“We enjoyed learning about different kinds of storms in different parts of the country, and what to do to stay safe/get ready in that kind of storm. Very practical!”
· Tara · Homeschooler
Lesson narration:
English Spanish

Activity Prep

Print Prep

Switch to non-narrated version

In this Read-Along lesson, students listen to an illustrated digital storybook with student participation. If you would prefer to read it aloud yourself, you can switch to the non-narrated version. In the story, JJ and his grandfather get ready for a big thunderstorm. In the activity, Get Ready for a Storm, students learn about other kinds of storms and act out ways to prepare for storms.
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Vocabulary

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But be sure to check the prep instructions below.

Prep Instructions

In the activity, students will be introduced to the idea that the weather report — on a smart phone, on a TV, or on a computer — helps people know when to get ready for a coming storm. You can help prepare your students for this aspect of the lesson by asking them — “What do you think the weather will be like tomorrow.” If you want to show them a weather report that’s appropriate for Kindergarten, we have included a link to a daily “weather report for kids” in the extensions for this lesson.

Standards

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Digital Book

15 mins

Hands-On Activity

25 mins

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Storms Tx Read-Along Lesson 1: How can you get ready for a big storm?

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