Stormy Days Facilitation Guide

Helping Our Classroom Family Weather Any Storm

Target Grade

1st - 2nd Grade

Learning Objective

Students will identify specific, actionable ways to support their peers during "stormy weather" (difficult emotions or challenging situations) by creating a shared "Shelter of Kindness."

Lesson Materials

Real Umbrella (Prop)
Umbrella Cutouts Handout
"Our Class is a Family" Video
String, Yarn, & Tape
Crayons/Colored Pencils

Key Vocabulary

Haven

A safe place where we can be ourselves and make mistakes.

Unique

Being one-of-a-kind and special in our own way.

Stormy Weather

The metaphor for times when we feel sad, mad, or frustrated.

Lesson Procedure

5m

The Hook: Under My Umbrella

Gather students on the rug and open a real umbrella. Ask: "What is this for?"

"Just like this umbrella keeps us dry in the rain, we can be like 'human umbrellas' for our friends when they are having a stormy day inside—like when they feel sad or frustrated."

5m

Video Viewing: Our Class is a Family

Watch the video. PAUSE AT 4:00.

"We'll help each other learn and grow in any kind of weather."

Discuss the image of the students sharing the umbrella. Ask: "How do they look? How are they helping?"

10m

Discussion: Identifying Stormy Days

Brainstorm what a "stormy day" looks like in our class. Possible answers:

Missing home or family

Getting a scraped knee

Frustration with hard work

A disagreement with a friend

15m

Main Activity: Umbrella Notes

Hand out the Umbrella Cutouts. Each student chooses one specific way they can help a classmate who is sad.

Examples to share:

"I can give a high five."
"I can sit next to them at lunch."
"I can tell a funny joke."
"I can ask, 'Are you okay?'"

The Shelter of Kindness

Hang the student umbrellas from the ceiling using string or tape them to a designated "Class Family" wall. Create a large title card that says "Our Shelter of Kindness" or "Weathering Together."

This serves as a visual reminder that no matter what "weather" we face, we have a community ready to protect and support us.

A Haven for All