Download: Natural Disasters
Download Series
What’s inside...
Download is a series of books designed for older students who struggle with reading. The series, launched in 2007, utilizes themes such as extreme sports, fast cars, and popular culture to engage and encourage reluctant and less able readers to read more. Each book in the series includes a short story, non-fiction information pages, and a bibliography. Additionally, readers can experience the powerful forces of nature through descriptions of events like powerful winds and towering waves, featuring emergency teams in disaster zones.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
8-12
Length
48 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What are some ways that communities can prepare for natural disasters?
Can you think of any stories or examples where people helped each other during a natural disaster?
How do you think learning about natural disasters can help us in real life?
Why do you think it's important for us to understand the Earth's natural events?
How do you feel when you read about natural disasters, and what can we do to feel safe?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their feelings about natural disasters, affirming that it's okay to feel scared or worried.
Discuss the importance of emergency preparedness and create a simple safety plan together to make the topic more relatable.
Use examples from the book to highlight how people can make a positive impact during challenging times, fostering a sense of empowerment and responsibility.
Connect the stories to real-world events by looking up recent news about natural disasters and discussing the recovery efforts.
Promote critical thinking by asking your child to consider different ways they can help or contribute to disaster relief efforts, even from home.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Understanding the power of nature
Explanation: The book provides detailed information about various natural disasters, describing their causes and effects in an easy-to-understand manner for children.
Real-World Application: Children learn respect for the environment and the importance of being prepared for unexpected natural events.
Example Lesson: Importance of emergency preparedness
Explanation: Through stories and examples of different disasters, 'Download: Natural Disasters' teaches children about safety measures and the necessity of having an emergency plan.
Real-World Application: Kids can apply this knowledge by participating in family discussions about emergency plans, understanding what to do in case of a natural disaster, and even helping to prepare emergency kits.
Example Lesson: Empathy for disaster victims
Explanation: The book discusses the impacts of natural disasters on communities and individuals, fostering a sense of empathy and understanding in young readers.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to think about others and how they might help, such as through donations or support to disaster relief efforts, cultivating a sense of global citizenship.
Example Lesson: Scientific curiosity and learning
Explanation: By explaining the science behind natural disasters, the book sparks curiosity about the Earth and its phenomena.
Real-World Application: Children are motivated to explore more about science subjects at school or conduct their own experiments at home related to weather and natural events.
Example Lesson: Resilience in facing challenges
Explanation: The narratives of recovery and rebuilding after disasters provide powerful examples of resilience and determination.
Real-World Application: Children learn the value of staying strong and hopeful even in difficult times, which can help them navigate personal challenges in their lives.