Storm Trucks Week 4—Light Up the Sky: Trucks, Shadows, & Rainbow Calm
- Donna Boock
- Jul 23
- 2 min read
Hi there, REACH families!
This week, we’re flipping the switch—literally—and exploring the calm and creativity that light and shadow can bring. Inspired by Storm Trucks by Charlotte Glaze, we’ll turn stormy skies into imaginative play with a flashlight, a few simple craft supplies, and a lot of storytelling power.
Flashlight Shadow Play
Option 1: Stick Puppets
Break out the scissors and glue—it’s time to make some craft stick shadow puppets! Whether you trace Axel and his rumbling trucks or create brand-new characters, these shadow puppets are perfect for retelling Storm Trucks in your own words and voices.
Want to level it up? Create a tube projector (a paper towel tube with cut-out shapes at one end and tissue paper or cellophane) to cast light-powered shapes on your walls. Bonus points for dramatic sound effects.
Option 2: Flashlight Tube Projector
🗣 Storytelling Sparks
Ask your child to retell Storm Trucks using their shadow puppets. What if the storm had a voice? What if the clouds were just looking for a friend? Each retelling builds empathy, imagination, and narrative confidence. And yes, it totally counts as reading!
🎭 BONUS ACTIVITY: Shadow Musical Mash-Up!
Remember last week’s Storm Truck musical moments? Combine your shadow puppets and your homemade instruments to stage a shadow truck musical!
Let your child direct their own mini play—with trucks rumbling, thunder crashing, and maybe even a rainbow finale with kazoo fanfare.
🌈 Coming Next Week on REACH: From BOOM to Bloom!
As we wrap up our stormy adventures, we’ll turn thunder into tenderness with a colorful craft designed to spark empathy and brighten someone’s day. We’ll reflect on what we’ve learned this month and get a sneak peek at next month’s REACH read too.
Until then—keep those flashlights charged, your shadows dancing, and your imaginations shining bright.
Stay curious, creative, & connected—and keep REACHing,
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