Use these questions or activities to help gauge students’ familiarity with and spark their interest in the context of the work, giving them an entry point into the text itself.

Short Answer

What are some types of weather events that can negatively affect entire communities? What types of conflicts might arise? After such an event, what might help the community heal?

Teaching Suggestion: Rose and her community experience an intense rainstorm with catastrophic flooding during a hurricane. Identifying ways in which a weather disaster can impact a community will be helpful in establishing a foundation for students as they read about Rose’s experience. Beyond the initial danger and potential loss, subsequent school disruptions, fear, and uncertainty can be ongoing. Class discussion might include ways to help people heal after a trauma in the community. Depending on students’ background with this topic, discussion of current or recent weather events might be beneficial for making connections. If time permits, students might conduct research using these or similar sources.

• This site from the National Child Traumatic Stress Network includes insights about various natural disasters and ideas to help a community before, during, and after these tragedies.
• With “Children In Disasters: Kids and Families,” the CDC offers games, graphics, flyers, and more to engage young people in disaster preparedness and learning about healing.