Guided Reading Level E - Safe in a Storm

Book Snapshot
• Title: Safe in a Storm
• Genre: Nonfiction (informational safety)
• Subject: Science / Health & Safety
• Primary Topic: Staying safe before, during, after storms
• Estimated Guided Reading Level (A–Z): E

What This Book Teaches Best
• Recognizing signs that a storm is near (dark clouds, wind, lightning, thunder).
• Knowing the safest place to be when thunder roars (inside a sturdy building).
• Following indoor safety steps during storms (stay away from windows; sit in the middle of a room).
• Making safe choices when power goes out and after storms (use a flashlight; avoid floodwater; return outside when it is safe).
• Understanding storm-related dangers involving electricity and water (avoid plugged-in devices; stay away from water).

Learning Goals
• Students will identify at least two signs that a storm is near using details from the text.
• Students will explain where the book says to be when thunder roars.
• Students will describe two ways to stay safe inside during a storm, based on the text.
• Students will explain why the book says to stay away from water during a storm.
• Students will retell safety steps from the book in order (before/during/after the storm).

Key Vocabulary From the Text
• lightning — a bright flash in the sky.
• sturdy — strong and not easy to break.
• flashlight — a small light you can hold.
• electricity — power that runs lights and devices.
• floodwater — water covering land after heavy rain.

Discussion Prompts
• Pre-reading question: What do you do at home to stay safe when a storm is coming?
• Comprehension questions: What are two signs the book says can tell you a storm is near?
Where does the book say is the best place to be when thunder roars?
Why does the book say to stay away from water during a storm?

Printing Tips

1. Best Printing Method (Recommended)
   “Booklet” Printing (Best if Available)
   If your printer or PDF viewer supports Booklet Printing, use this.
   Settings to use:
   • Print mode: Booklet
   • Paper size: Letter or A4 (either works)
   • Orientation: Landscape
   • Print on both sides: Yes
   • Flip on: Short edge
   • Scaling: Fit to printable area
   • Booklet subset:
   o First test: Front sides only
   o Then: Back sides only
   This will automatically:
   • Pair pages correctly
   • Put the cover on the outside
   • Align everything for folding
   After printing, fold in half and staple along the spine.

2. If “Booklet” Printing Is NOT Available
   You can still print this correctly with manual duplex printing.
   Step-by-step:

3. Open the PDF.

4. Choose Print.

5. Set:
   o Orientation: Landscape
   o Pages per sheet: 1
   o Print on both sides: Yes
   o Flip on: Short edge

6. Print all pages.
   Because each PDF page already contains two facing book pages, the result will still fold cleanly into a book.