Power Outage…Let’s Read!
Heavy downpours of rain and gusty winds over 50-60 miles per hour from hurricane Dorian caused many areas in the Low Country of South Carolina and other places to lose power. Trees bent back and forth appearing to try to stand firm during the storm. Branches broke off one by one and ponds overflowed with excess water. Effects from the hurricane were felt before, during and after the storm.
One major inconvenience of the dangerous winds and rain were power outages. Have you ever lost power at your home? Everything is fine and all of a sudden the lights flicker and turn off, television and radio become quiet and the computer screen turns dark. When power is lost, children may ask, “What can we do? There are no lights to see.” Darkness can be scary. Finding fun things to pass the time often helps everyone.
A fun activity to do during a power outage is to bring out the flashlights and read to each other. Make a tent by covering a few chairs with a blanket or sheet. Place a few pillows inside the newly created area. Find a comfortable position in the tent and position the flashlights so everyone can see the book. Be sure to make the tent tall enough for adults and children to easily crawl inside.
Each person can take turns choosing a book, holding the book and reading to everyone. Special memories can be created during times of power outages. Read the book and discuss what everyone thought about the characters, the story line and the illustrations. Have each person suggest the possibilities of books to read.
Another fun idea is to create books. Encourage each person to draw something special and write a story to go along with the drawing. Then, share with each other.
While the storm is raging outside, this time of reading and sharing can ease anxiousness and worry. Sharing feelings about the storm is helpful, too. You may even have books about hurricanes or other storms for everyone to read and talk about their feelings.
No worries about a power outage. Just bring out the flashlights, make a tent and read, write and share. Wonderful, special memories can happen even during a storm.
Blessings,
Melissa Henderson
Great idea. My area does not usually experience hurricanes, but we can get ice storms that have similar effects. We will try these ideas next time. Thanks
Yes, reading is a great activity during ice storms, too. Have a blessed day!
Sounds like fun, Melissa. I mean, the flashlights, tents, and books, not the power outage. You are so good at making the most of uncomfortable situations. Thanks for keeping the bright side in view for all of us.
Thank you for reading and commenting. Hurricanes are not fun but we have to make the best out of stressful times. 🙂
We have had our share of power outages. Love your idea to read books with flash lights to each other!
Thank you Karen. Reading can be a fun activity even during storms. 🙂
How fun! I remember a time when we were on vacation and the power went out. We brought out candles and flashlights and went around sharing our favorite vacation memories. And because of that fun time with the power out, that now makes the list of favorite memories!
How wonderful to have such special memories! Sometimes having the power out is better than having it on. 🙂
Ahhh. Yes! We have done that. One super memory of reading during a power outage occurred when my eldest was in college. He was home for Christmas, and we had a wind storm that took the power out. So we grabbed The Horse and His Boy (C.S. Lewis), holed up in the warmest room, and read aloud till it got too dark….and the power came back on! After dinner, we sat around and took turns reading till we finished the book!
Wonderful memory!
Thank you for sharing that wonderful memory. Very special! 🙂