Lightning safety for kids: a 15-minute K–2 storm drill

1. Play a thunder sound. Ask: "What do you hear before a storm?" Explain: if you can hear thunder, lightning is close enough to be dangerous.
2. Teach the rule with motions: hand to ear for "thunder roars", point to the door for "go indoors".
3. Talk about safe places: a building with walls and a roof, or a car or bus with a hard roof. Under a tree, a picnic shelter or a tent is not safe.
4. Practice outside on a clear day: play the thunder sound. Students stop, line up and walk quickly inside.
5. Inside, set a 30-minute timer as a class and explain that each new rumble starts the timer over.
6. Send the rule home on a note so families use the same words.

Safety: practice only on clear days, walk (do not run) on the route, and follow your school's own severe weather plan.

Differentiation: students who need support practice the motions and route with a buddy. Students who are ready make a poster of safe and not-safe places. English learners can learn the rule in English and in their home language.

Quick check: ask: "You are at the park and you hear thunder. What do you do?" Listen for going into a building or a hard-roofed car.

Educators, how does your school handle storms during recess or outdoor time? Share your signal or routine in the replies.