Online timer for 40 minutes
Leading a class through a 40 minutes earthquake lesson means watching the pupils as closely as the clock. While they identify safe places, practise Drop, Cover and Hold, and discuss what might happen at school or home, you can keep each activity moving without cutting off useful questions.
The class may respond better to several consecutive countdowns than to one uninterrupted session. A short period for recalling what earthquakes feel like can lead into a longer practice drill, followed by time for pupils to explain their choices. Restarting the countdown at each transition gives the group a clear change of pace and lets you adjust the later sections if discussion takes longer than expected.
Teaching earthquake safety on a hot New Zealand afternoon can make an active drill feel more tiring, particularly in a sunny classroom or on warm asphalt. Keep the movement section brief, use a shaded indoor area where possible, and leave more of the session for calm discussion and drawing a household plan. If the room becomes restless, a short water break can replace part of the final recap without losing the central safety message.
Common questions
What can make this earthquake lesson run longer than the planned session?
Questions about local earthquakes or a careful classroom drill can extend the lesson. Shorten the final recap rather than rushing pupils while they practise the safety actions.
What if the class finishes the earthquake activities earlier than expected?
Use the remaining session to let pupils describe a safe place at home or sketch an emergency meeting point. On a hot day, choose a seated activity instead of repeating the physical drill.
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