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Age range: 3-6

Theme Area: Facing Fears

Related Episode: Stormy Weather

Subjects/Skills: Emotional Development; Sense of Self

Materials Needed:
No materials needed

Directions:
Ord, like many young children, is afraid of the loud sound of thunder. You can help your child become less fearful by explaining where the sound comes from. You might ask your local librarian to recommend books, or look for books that explain the origins of thunder, such as Flash, Crash, Rumble, and Roar by Franklyn M. Branley.

During the next thunderstorm, encourage your child to play a game with you. To play the game, count the seconds between the roar of thunder and the flash of lightning. Let your child know that as the storm gets closer, the thunder and lightning will be closer together. But then, as the storm moves away, you'll be able to count to higher numbers because the thunder and lightning will occur farther apart. Being able to actually predict that the storm moving away may help calm your child's fears.

You can also help your child grow accustomed to the loud sound of thunder by making a thunderstorm in your home. For example, you might bang on some aluminum pie tins to make a "thunder sound." You could tap on the same tin to make rain sounds. Give a tin to everyone in your family and make a "storm orchestra" together.

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