Grades 3-5 Life Skills Activities

	Dance
Before:	Draw a picture or take a photograph of what they see out their window during a hurricane.
During:	Observe, reflect, and write lists of action words and nouns detailing the effect of the hurricane’s wind and rain on the picture or photograph of what they see outside a window during the hurricane.
After:	Use a list of action words and nouns to create phrases (i.e., trees swaying in the wind, power lines snapping in the rain, a lone flower pot rolling across the patio).
	Drama and Theater
Before:	Talk about preparations made in their neighborhood prior to the hurricane. Discussion questions: Did you feel that your family was well prepared for the hurricane? What did you experience during the preparation activities? Were you concerned about the safety of others?
During:	Demonstrate, and create through body language the hurricane experiences of their family and other families in their neighborhood. Discussion questions: How safe did you feel during the storm? Were you scared? Using your imagination, can you describe and create the sights and sounds experienced during the storm?
After:	Think about the neighborhood’s level of preparedness for the storm and make recommendations for improving readiness in the event of another storm. Discussion questions: How big was the storm? In preparing for the next hurricane, what recommendations do you have for your family and/or neighborhood? Did your family experience wind damage and/or flooding? Did you or anyone in your family experienced emotional distress after the hurricane?
	Music
Before:	Collect a series of bottles or jars (12 works best).
During:	Put different amounts of water in each jar to create a musical scale
After:	Try to “play” the jars by hitting the jars lightly with a spoon.  Students can play familiar songs (a good ear training activity) or create original songs.
	Physical Education
Before:	Make a list of healthy food items that they may eat during or after the storm.
During:	Create their own game or activity that they can participate in with their parents and or other students.
After:	Participate in various games and activities directed by parents and or shelter leaders such as: Indoor Scavenger Hunt, Indoor Obstacle Course, Beach Ball/Balloon Volley and Sports Charades.