I’ve always been afraid of thunderstorms. As a child, I used to crawl into my parents’ bed and hide there with them until the storm was over. And now, since I’ve moved to North Carolina, I am faced with another severe weather phenomenon that I had never experienced before: tornadoes. As a Montessori teacher and a mother, I find myself in that awkward position of being the comforter even though I inwardly want to jump at every flash of lightning and clap of thunder and every tornado warning.

And it seems I have good cause to be worried. Thunderstorms are responsible for causing the majority of natural disasters, including tornadoes, hurricanes, flash floods, micro- and macro-bursts, and forest fires caused by lightning.

Montessori Curriculum: Preparing for Weather Systems in the Classroom

When discussing severe thunderstorms with children, it’s important to also discuss safety. If you are inside, follow these tips:

• Stay away from windows or glass doors.
• Stay away from water – do not do dishes or take a bath or shower.
• Stay off of the phone.

If you are caught outside during a thunderstorm, do the following:

• Stay away from tall things and metal objects.
• Make as little contact with the ground as possible. Go to a low spot and crouch on the balls of your feet, place your hands on your knees and lower your head.
• Remember that lightning can strike as long as you can still hear thunder. It does not need to be raining.

If you live in an area prone to tornadoes, there are extra precautions you need to take. It is important to practice tornado preparedness in your Montessori classroom. Here are some tips to follow if you are inside:

• Go to the lowest level of the building.
• Move into a bathroom or closet, away from windows and glass doors.
• Get under something sturdy and hold on or brace yourself with one hand.
• Cover your head and neck with your other hand to protect yourself from falling debris.
• Listen to the radio to know when the tornado has passed.

If you are outside with no shelter, do the following:

• Lie flat in a low spot so the wind and debris can blow over you.
• Protect your head and neck with your arms and hands.

When Children Are Afraid

Trying to convince children that there isn’t any reason to be afraid will backfire. To them, their fears are not irrational. They truly are afraid! Instead, tell them you understand they are afraid or anxious and talk about ways to make the situation easier for them. NAMC’s Physical Geography curriculum offers ways to explain and explore the physical phenomena that frightens them. Giving explanations and the chance to explore can make scary things seem more manageable. For younger children, try reading books that help explain. You may also wish to give them coloring pages or activity sheets like the resources offered by the National Severe Storms Laboratory.

If you are at school during severe weather, it is best to find ways to help distract the children. Sing favorite songs, read aloud, or play quiet games together. Redirecting the children’s attention helps them find comfort and control their emotions.