Ice Storms (Blastoff! Readers: Extreme Weather)
Blastoff! Readers: Extreme Weather Series
on Goodreads (5)
What’s inside...
Roads become slick when freezing rain falls. Drivers can easily lose control of their vehicles and crash into each other. This book introduces children to unpredictable ice storms by explaining their cause and effect.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
7-10
Length
24 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What would you do if you were caught in an ice storm? How would you stay safe?
Can you describe how ice storms form, based on what we read?
How do you think animals and plants are affected by ice storms?
What are some ways that people can prepare for extreme weather like ice storms?
Why is it important to understand different types of weather, including extreme ones like ice storms?
Tip: Role play these questions
Before reading, explore what your child already knows about ice storms and other extreme weather. This can make the new information more relatable.
While reading, pause at key points to ask predictive questions, like 'What do you think will happen next?' or 'How would that impact our community?'
Encourage your child to connect the book to personal experiences with weather, or discuss any news related to weather phenomena they might have encountered.
Use visuals in the book to deepen understanding. Ask your child to describe what they see and explain how it relates to the text.
Post-reading, encourage your child to imagine and draw their version of an ice storm, discussing the elements that they recall from the book.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Understanding the Science of Weather
Explanation: The book 'Ice Storms' introduces young readers to the scientific concepts behind ice storms, including how they form and their impact on the environment.
Real-World Application: This knowledge encourages curiosity about natural phenomena and promotes scientific thinking, helping children to engage more thoughtfully with the world around them.
Example Lesson: Preparedness for Natural Disasters
Explanation: Anne Wendorff highlights the importance of being prepared for extreme weather events such as ice storms, outlining safety measures and emergency procedures.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the value of planning and preparedness, equipping them with the ability to stay safe during similar events in real life.
Example Lesson: Resilience and Adaptability
Explanation: As the narrative explores the challenges posed by ice storms, it implicitly teaches resilience by showing how communities and ecosystems adapt and recover.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of resilience and adaptability, fundamental skills that help them face challenges and adapt to changes in their own lives.
Example Lesson: Environmental Awareness
Explanation: Through discussions about the effects of ice storms on habitats and human environments, the book fosters a sense of environmental responsibility.
Real-World Application: This lesson encourages children to think about their impact on the Earth and promotes behaviors that support environmental sustainability.