On the second day of school
Thunder rumbled at the end of the day. Little Emmett and I were the last ones at school.
What’s that?
Thunder
I don’t like thunder
Thunder is only a noise. It can’t hurt you. I like thunder.
Really?
Yes! I like to go on my porch and look at the storm clouds and listen for the thunder.
Was that thunder again?
Yes! Wait, I hear more.
And so we listened and played a game of who could hear it first. We looked at the clouds. I told Emmett all about my porch. He told me (at least six times) that he liked thunder, too. Mom arrived to pick him up.
Mom, I like thunder! Guess who likes thunder, too? Jennie!
I finished my work, walked outside, and there it was… a gorgeous rainbow fully arched over the playground. I have to think it was meant for me and for Emmett.
Jennie
A Teacher's Reflections 
You are such a natural teacher, and yes, the rainbow was a gift meant for the two of you
Thank you, Beth! ❤️
Great, Jennie!
Thanks, Ritu! 😍
What a gift!! It’s gorgeous, and yes, I think meant for you two as well.
I love thunder too and now I live somewhere where there is thunder. Just yesterday we had thunder and I stepped outside to record the sound when just as suddenly a bolt of lightning struck right in front of me! I couldn’t get in the house fast enough! LOL! I never expected lightning! DOH! Such a city gal am I.
I grew up in Michigan, with many rain storms. Something fun and interesting to do during storms; When you see the lightning, start to count the seconds before hearing the thunder. Each second represents a mile of how far away the storm is.
Is that true? Don’t know, just something we always did as kids. 😀
I’ve heard the same thing and used to do that with my kids when they were little and afraid of the noise. It helped them get over their fears of the Thunder. Thanks for sharing that it is a fun thing to do and know! 😀🙏🏼
😀
Oh my goodness! Michigan and thunderstorms. Do you know the children’s book Thundercake, by Patricia Pollaco? It is a classic. She grew up visiting her grandmother in the summer when the thunderstorms rumbled through. And of course the book has the counting from the flash of lightening to the rumble of thunder. It’s a great story! Thank you, Ren.🙂
I am not familiar with Thundercake, will check it out and then gift it to a child. Thanx
You won’t be disappointed. And you’ll learn all about real thunder cake. 😀
Thank you, Deborah! You used to live where there was no thunder? Oh, no! What a thrill to finally be swept up into that lovely sound of nature. Well, lightening is another story. 🙂
What a great start to the new school year. I look forward to your stories.
Thanks so much, Darlene! 😀
What a great start to the new school year. I look forward to your stories.
I think it was meant for you and Emmitt. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks, John. It sure felt that way.
Great story, Jennie. You certainly gave young Emmitt a new perspective about thunder.
Thank you, John. As you know, it’s how you say what you say with children. And of course being a good listener. It was a lovely moment.
A great teacher always seizes every opportunity! All nature is a gift.
Well said, Opher! Thank you. 🙂
My mom used to say, when we saw a flash of lightning, count slowly until you hear the thunder. Then you’ll know how far away the storm is. So I was always eager to hear the thunder. I think you and my mom would have gotten along just fine, Jennie.
Yes! You did that too? I just replied to “circadianreflections” (above), regarding the count.
I think it’s true in a very general way. The center of the “weather” was one kilometer for every second is what we were told, but who knows. It was more a fun thing to do and it kept our mind off being afraid.
Yes, I did!! 😀
My mom told me the same thing, and I still tell that to children. It makes the thunder all the more exciting. I think your mom and I would certainly have gotten along! Thanks, Anneli. 🙂
Oh Jennie! What a beautiful rainbow capture to solidify another lesson in nature. You are so blessed. I am elated for you and all your kids.
Thanks so much, Ren. I am blessed. I feel so lucky to be there at ‘moments’ with children. ❤️
Awww, Jennie, you are just amazing.
That is so nice to say, Robbie. Thank you.
Beautiful…
Thank you, Bette.
what a sweet moment that helped Emmett when he needed it the most.
I always feel that the little moments are really the big things. Thank you!
Jennie, YOU are the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow! Benjamin and I had a similar experience during a thunder shower this summer. Just like Emmett, Benjamin decided that he liked thunder and it is “awesome”! Benjamin went off to his first day of kindergarten yesterday laden with his fully supplied new backpack, climbing onto the bus with a wave and a smile, and off to new adventures. I was missing him, even before the bus pulled away. I so enjoy the tales of your preschoolers. Thank-you!
I’m so glad that Benjamin experienced the same thing with thunder. How great it is when we can help children see the wonder and adventure in those moments. I can see him right now, getting on the school bus, happy and ready to go. Roots and wings. Thank you, Ellen. Your kind words are much appreciated.
What a day-brightener!!
Thank you, Liz!
Thank YOU!
🙂
I love thunder and rain storms so much. I do understand a child’s fear of it. I feel that way about lightning if I have to go out in the open with it striking all around. I remember someone telling me about counting the seconds too. Emmett is so lucky to have you kindly chase his fear away and not scoff at him for it. You have the best heart.
Thanks so much, Marlene. I remember counting the seconds between the thunder and lightening, too. Childhood summers at summer camp were the best, and I developed a love for the outdoors and thunderstorms. When teachers share their love with children and turn a worry into a joy, it’s a good thing. You have the best heart, too. ❤️
Jennie, that is lovely!
Thank you!
You are a born teacher, Jennie. It’s not surprising that the kids trust you because the first thing you always do is make them feel safe. Your manner calmed the situation instead of intensifying Emmett’s feelings of fear.
Thank you, Pete. ❤️
How beautiful, Jennie! This really touched me because I had weather anxiety as a young child. The world needs more teachers like you. ❤❤❤
Thank you, Mischenko! ❤️
Seems the rainbow was a gift for your wonderful work, Jennie! ❤️ Well done! Michael
Mother Nature rocks.
Period.
Yup!
You are just brilliant in how quickly you come up with something for the little ones when they are afraid of something. I remember pulling the covers over my head when it thundered at night in the rain. No one ever comforted me like that, and to this day when I hear thunder although I like its sound finally, I still shudder some. Thank you for what you do so well!
I’m so glad you enjoyed this. Seeing things through the eyes of a child makes such a difference. 🙂
That is so true. Thank you always, Jennie. You deserve every accolade you get.
Thank you, Anne. You do, too!
That’s lovely, Jennie. My mother wrapped me in a blanket and we sat on the step to watch storms… I still do, all these years later 🙂
Lovely!
🙂
A good day, ending with a good sign.
Definitely! 🙂
Lovely little vignette. 🙂
Thank you, Kevin!
Lovely!
Thank you!
My pleasure!
It absolutely was meant for you! ❤
❤️😍❤️
Another beautiful share. You are a storied lesson, reaping the benefits of love in return! 🍵😎🍵
That is so nice. Thank you! 😊
Wonderful Jennie, for teaching this young soul not to be afraid.. ❤
Thank you, Sue. ❤️
You know it was, Jennie. Can you work that same magic with Daisy (she’s our fantastic dog who shakes all over when it thunders)
I wish I could, Steve. My dog was the same way. 🙂