This week in first grade, we have been focusing on one particular type of weather – tornadoes. We first discussed how a tornado forms. Tornadoes are large columns of rotating air that develop out of thunderstorms. Conditions are right for a tornado to form when warm air rises and cool air falls within the cloud of a thunderstorm, eventually turning into a vertical spinning current. 

Next, first graders learned about the type of damage tornados can do. Because they are created by strong winds, wind and flying objects are of particular concern in a tornado. Tornadoes can lift even large items into the air and throw them back to Earth. This can be dangerous for people, animals and property.

The most important thing we discussed this week was how to remain safe during a tornado. First graders learned the warning signs to look out for (funnel-shaped clouds, odd colored sky, large hail, roaring sound). It was interesting for us to notice that hail and tornadoes often occur together because they are formed by a similar process of air moving up and down from cold to warm. We discussed the difference between a tornado watch and a tornado warning and where to find the information you might need in a storm. We discussed that phones and TV can be a very helpful tool in keeping an eye out for severe weather. We also listened to a sample sound of a tornado siren so that first graders can easily identify the sound if they hear it. 

After learning how to spot tornado conditions and warnings, we talked about what to do to stay safe. At school we have practiced tornado drills and “duck and cover”. We paid attention to putting our hands over our necks to protect them, as our necks are soft and don’t have skulls to protect them like our heads do. First graders noted that it’s important to go to the lowest floor of a building and stay away from windows, mirrors, large bookshelves or other things that may be displaced and fly towards you. The safest place in a typical home is a basement or bathroom with no windows. Much like we have discussed with fire safety, it is essential to leave belongings behind and make sure you are safe from harm first. However, if you prepare ahead of time, there are some items that can be helpful to have ready in a tornado shelter “just in case” including flashlights, bottled water, granola bars, basic first aid, phone chargers and weather radios. 

First graders wrote in their writing journals all about what they learned about tornado safety and we even got to write outside in the wonderful (and tornado-free) weather 3 different times this week!