Third graders learn what to do in a natural disaster

     Some Tulsa Public School students are learning what to do if a natural disaster was to happen. One of the first things Sequoyah Elementary third graders are learning is how to work together. The students do this by playing games with a large parachute, trusting each other as each student runs underneath. 

     Physical education teacher Diana Potts said team building is an important survival skill because students have know  how to work together in a stressful situation and know it will all turn out okay.

        Besides team building. Students learn "safe places" to go to in a disaster situation, like the bathroom if a tornado was heading their direction. Also, part of the lesson plan is having an "emergency backpack"

     Potts recommends filling the backpack with things like water, snacks and a flashlight. Also putting a notebook inside the bag, with important numbers written down. 

     At the end of the training, all the third graders get a backpack, filled with the essentials. The program is all funded through grant money. Students are encouraged to practice the drills at home and work with their parents to have an emergency plan when they are not at school.