Storm Trucks Week 5: From BOOM to Bloom: Crafting Calm with Color
- Donna Boock
- 1 day ago
- 3 min read
Hi there, REACH families!
Let's look back on what we did this month in REACH. With Storm Trucks as our guide, we explored storms—both in the sky and in ourselves.
We re-read the book to build confidence and deepen understanding
We created cloud jars and played with flashlights to explore calm and curiosity
We made music with rainmakers, egg shakers and drums to turn thunder into rhythm
And now, we’re wrapping it all up with a craft that encourages empathy and kindness
This week, we're going to wrap it all up with one of the most important things books help us develop—empathy for others.
Why Stories Build Empathy
One of the most powerful things about reading with kids is that it helps them step into someone else’s shoes.When children connect with a character—like Axel in Storm Trucks, who faces fear and finds calm—they begin to see the world from another perspective.
Books spark big feelings in small readers. They give kids the chance to imagine what someone else might be thinking or feeling, and that’s the heart of empathy. Over time, re-reading and talking about stories helps them build understanding, compassion, and care—not just for characters, but for the people around them.
Pairing books with creative, meaningful activities—like this week’s rainbow card—is how REACH helps bring those lessons off the page and into real life.Helping kids connect their feelings to others' experiences is a powerful way to grow emotional intelligence—and something simple like sending a thiughtful card can leave a big impression.
A simple handmade rainbow can be just the thing to brighten someone’s day—and it’s a beautiful way to help children practice empathy.
Pop-Up Rainbow Card Craft
Rainbows come after the storm—and this one is extra special because your child can make it and give it to someone who needs a little sunshine.
Follow the easy, step-by-step instructions from Red Ted Art to create your own:
Supplies:
Card stock or construction paper
white paper
Markers, watercolors or paints
Scissors
Glue Stick
Blank envelope for gifting (optional)
Instructions:
1. Measure your rainbow width
Before decorating, place your white paper inside the folded card to see how wide your rainbow can be. Make a small mark—your rainbow shouldn’t be wider than the card when folded shut.
2. Make your rainbow
Use markers, watercolors, or glue strips of colored paper in rainbow order. Fill the space between your marks with color! Let it dry completely if you used paint.
3. Cut out your rainbow
Trim away any extra white edges so you're left with just your colorful rainbow strip.
4. Fold it like an accordion
Start at one short end and fold the paper back and forth (like a fan), about ½ inch per fold. This makes your rainbow "pop" when the card opens.
5. Glue one end inside the card
Open your folded card. Glue one end of the accordion rainbow to one side of the card—across the card, not along the fold. Leave room for writing and clouds!
6. Glue the other end and close the card
Now add glue to the top of the other end of the rainbow. Gently close the card and press. Let it dry fully before opening and closing.
7. Decorate!
Add clouds, faces, or drawings around your rainbow. Then write a message inside—something like:
“After every storm comes a rainbow!”
REACH Connection:
This craft is a great way to talk about how we can help others feel better—just like Axel helps his puppy in Storm Trucks. Encourage your child to think about who they’d like to send it to:
“Who might need a smile today?”
“Who makes you feel safe when skies get stormy?”
Challenge:
Brainstorm other ways to let someone special know you care. Share your ideas with all by replying to this post!
🐾 Coming Next Month in REACH...
In August, Storm Trucks are rolling out… and Kittytubers are pitter-pattering in! Check in next week when we'll start When Kittens Go Viral by Darcy Pattison, the first in the Kittytubers series! Angel Persian is a kitten determined to become a star just like her famous KittyTube parents. It’s a purr-fect mix of kitten cuteness and big questions about who we are and what matters most.
Until next week...Keep calm, craft rainbows, and read on!
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