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Up in the Clouds

Updated: Mar 6

Did you know that there are 10 different types of clouds? Many of their

names come from Latin! On Thursday, the Primary School shared some intriguing information about them.



Andrew Peacock/Getty Images

Clouds and Sunshine

By Cortney Wright | Primary School Home Room, Curriculum Committee, Upper School English


Clouds are so important! They cool the earth so people, plants, and animals can

live! They provide rain and snow, so that we have water! There are low, middle, and

high clouds. There can be more than one kind of cloud in the sky at the same time. We

are so thankful that God created clouds!


Stratus clouds can cover all or most of the sky like a low, gray blanket. The word

stratus comes from the Latin verb meaning to spread out or cover with a layer.


Cumulus clouds are low in the sky, puffy, and white. They look like cotton balls!

The word cumulus comes from the Latin word that means “a pile.”


Stratocumulus clouds are low, puffy, and gray. They sometimes form in bulgy

rows, low in the sky. They are a mixture of stratus and cumulus.


Cumulonimbus clouds are giant clouds that hold so much energy! They start low

to the ground but grow to tower over the sky with a flat wide top. These clouds make

thunder, lightning, and sometimes, tornadoes.


You’ll see altocumulus clouds in thunderstorms. They are puffy and gray, and they

form clumps in the sky.


Altostratus clouds are blue or gray and they cover the entire sky, like a blanket.

They don’t produce rain though. Nimbostratus clouds are low gray or black clouds. Sunlight cannot get through

them. They are heavy and produce rain.


At the top of the sky you can see cirrus clouds. They are white and thin. Cirrus is

a Latin word that means “a lock of hair.” These clouds look like wispy, curly baby hair!


Cirrostratus clouds are found high in the sky, too. They can cover the sky like a

sheet. They are very thin.


Cirrocumulus clouds can look like fish scales! They are small, rounded, and are

usually in long rows. You are most likely to see cirrocumulus clouds in the winter.


Always remember what Henry Wadsworth Longfellow wrote. “Behind the clouds is

the sun still shining.”




 

This historical thought was delivered by our primary students at devotional on 02/29/24. Each week one class leads the student body in prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, scripture recitation, a meditation, and an historical thought. Family and friends are welcome, Thursdays 8:30-9:05 am.


Belmont is an independent K-12 school in the classical, Christian tradition. In partnership with parents, we invest in students — helping them acquire an education of the highest quality, find joy in life, and become influences for good in the world. If you are interested in receiving updates about Belmont, please subscribe to Exulto here by inserting your email.

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