A classroom of kids were trapped by a freezing snowstorm. Could their brave teacher save them?
Learning Objective: Children will comprehend and discuss the problem and solution in a true story about a teacher and her students who got caught in a blizzard.
You are about to read the true story of a one-room schoolhouse. What happened when a big storm hit? Read on to find out!
Minnie Freeman
Minnie Freeman started her long walk to school. This was her first year as a teacher. The weather had been freezing all winter, but today felt warmer.
She arrived at her one-room schoolhouse, and the children ran in behind her. She wrote the date on the board: January 12, 1888.
Minnie and her students had no idea that the worst snowstorm in history was about to arrive.
The Storm Starts
When it was time for recess, the children cheered. Minnie had 13 students. The oldest was 17, and the youngest was 6. They all were excited to play outside.
Frankie Gibbens had a ball of twine. The kids played tug-of-war with it. The warmer weather had them in a good mood.
Around 3 p.m., everything changed. A massive dark cloud covered the sky.
Minnie quickly got the children inside. Moments later, wind and snow began pounding the windows. Minnie had never seen snow like this. Out of nowhere, a terrible blizzard had begun.
Trapped by Snow
stove
The storm raged on. At one point, Minnie opened the schoolhouse door. There was so much snow in the air, she could not see her hand in front of her. It was a complete whiteout. She quickly shut the door.
It was impossible to send the children home. They walked to school each day like she did. They would not be able to see where they were going. They could get lost in the cold.
Minnie and the children huddled by the stove to keep warm. The windows rattled. Minnie wondered how long they would be stuck there.
The school was in Nebraska.
Minnie’s New Plan
Minnie
Minnie and her students at their school
Suddenly, there was a groaning sound above them. The roof was being pulled off by the strong winds! Minnie knew they had to leave now. She needed a plan.
Minnie lived about a mile away. Even in the blinding blizzard, she thought she
could find her way back. But how would she keep the children together?
Then she had an idea. Frankie’s ball of twine! She tied the twine around her waist. She told each student to hold on tight.
Just then, the door blew off!
A Frozen Journey
It was time to go. Minnie picked up the 6-year-old in
her arms. She told the other children to stay close. They were scared but brave. Minnie took a deep breath and stepped outside into the blizzard.
The ice and wind hit Minnie’s face like little arrows. With the children behind her, she began to walk. Each breath felt like it was freezing her from the inside out. The snow piled high. All any of them could see was the color white.
It was hard to keep going, but Minnie knew the children needed her. She kept pushing forward into the strong winds.
Finally, Minnie saw a light ahead. She had made it home! She got to the door and led the children inside. Every single student was still there. She had saved them all.
One Brave Teacher
After the terrible blizzard, people heard how Minnie had rescued the children.Newspapers all over the country printed stories about it. They said she was fearless.
Her story reminded people of how important teachers are. People even wrote songs about Minnie. One was called “Thirteen Were Saved.”
Minnie always believed that others would have done the same. But to her students, she was a real hero.
Your Turn to Read!
My Blizzard Report
There is a blizzard. Imagine you are giving a weather report. Tell everyone about the storm!
Today: Snowstorm
There is a lot of snow. Is it a blizzard?
The wind is super strong.
It is hard to see with all the snow.
The snow will last a long time.
Yes! That means it is a blizzard.
More About the Article
English Language Arts Focus
Comprehension of a nonfiction narrative
Social Studies Focus
History and culture
Implementation
Pairings and Text Connections
Before-Reading Resources
Suggested Reading Focus
Comprehension (20 minutes)
After-Reading Video Read-Aloud
After-Reading Skills Practice
