# Discussion Questions: Communities Still Cleaning Up After Tornadoes

**Article summary:** Communities in New York and Missouri are recovering from tornado damage after twisters caused significant destruction to homes and properties.

## Article-Based Questions

1. Andrew Donaldson said, "I've never seen anything like that." How do you think you would feel if a tornado suddenly hit your neighborhood?
2. The article describes these communities as "picking up the pieces" after the storms. What kind of support do you think neighbors and local communities can offer each other at a time like this?
3. Two tornadoes struck Clinton, Missouri on the same night. Does hearing about multiple disasters hitting one place change how you feel about the story?
4. The article calls the tornado "small" but says it caused "tremendous damage." What does this tell you about the power of nature?
5. A news reporter was sent to cover the aftermath of the storms. Why do you think it is important for the news to report on natural disasters?

## Discussion Questions

6. Have you ever experienced a powerful storm or natural disaster? What was it like?
7. What do you think people need most immediately after a natural disaster — food and water, shelter, money, or something else? Why?
8. In your country, how does the government help people when a natural disaster destroys their home?
9. If a storm destroyed your home tonight, what is the very first thing you would do?
10. Do you think people should be allowed to rebuild homes in areas that are regularly hit by dangerous storms? Why or why not?

## Vocabulary Spotlight

- **aftermath**: the difficult situation that remains after a harmful or dangerous event.
- **tremendous**: very large or powerful in a way that is surprising or shocking.
- **twister**: an informal word for a tornado — a violent column of spinning air that touches the ground.
- **struck**: hit something with great force (the past tense of "strike").