This children’s article, International Cloud Appreciation Day: What are clouds and why do they matter? has been written for native English speakers and learners of English as a second or foreign language. It can help children practise reading and comprehension, learn useful vocabulary, and explore the science and beauty of clouds. Written by Sinead O’Carroll, an experienced teacher and writer.
A day to look up
Every year in September, people around the world celebrate International Cloud Appreciation Day. The day began with a simple idea from a British writer, Gavin Pretor-Pinney, who started the Cloud Appreciation Society in 2005. He believed that clouds, in all their shapes and colours, deserved more attention.
The first official Cloud Appreciation Day was held in 2022. On this day, people are invited to look up at the sky, notice the clouds, and share photos of what they see with the Cloud Appreciation Society.
These images are collected in the Memory Cloud Atlas, an online gallery of skies from all over the world. Families, students, artists, and photographers all join in. Anyone can take part; all you need to do is look up and snap a picture.
What are clouds?
Clouds are made of tiny drops of water or ice crystals that float in the air. They form when warm air rises, cools, and releases moisture. Clouds might look light and fluffy, but a single cloud can actually hold tonnes of water!
Why do clouds matter?
Clouds are not just pretty to look at. They play an important role in nature and in our daily lives:
- They bring rain and snow, which plants, animals, and people need to survive.
- They help keep the Earth cool by reflecting sunlight.
- They move water around the planet as part of the water cycle.
Without clouds, life on Earth would be very different, if not impossible.
Different shapes and types
Not all clouds look the same. Scientists group clouds into types:
- Cumulus: Big, fluffy white clouds, often seen on sunny days.
- Stratus: Flat, grey clouds that can cover the whole sky.
- Cirrus: Thin, wispy clouds high in the sky.
- Cumulonimbus: Huge storm clouds that rise high and can bring thunder and lightning.
When you look up, try to notice the shapes. Sometimes people see animals, castles, or faces in the clouds. It is like nature’s own art show.
Why do people celebrate International Cloud Appreciation Day
International Cloud Appreciation Day is about slowing down and noticing the world above us. Clouds belong to everyone, no matter where we live. For just a few minutes, looking at the sky can connect us with people everywhere who are doing the same thing.
So next time you step outside, pause and look up. What do you see drifting across the blue? A sheep, a ship, or maybe just a fluffy friend?
You can explore more about clouds at the Cloud Appreciation Society website.
Article vocabulary list
- Society: A group of people with the same interest.
- Moisture: Tiny amounts of water in the air.
- Cycle: A pattern that repeats again and again.
- Reflect: To bounce light or heat back.
- Cumulus: A type of cloud that looks fluffy and white.
- Stratus: A type of cloud that forms flat layers.
- Wispy: Thin and light, like a feather or hair.
- Thunder: The loud sound made during a storm.
Comprehension questions
Just click the plus (+) to see the answer
1. Who started the Cloud Appreciation Society?
Answer: Gavin Pretor-Pinney.
2. When was the first official International Cloud Appreciation Day held?
a) 2005
b) 2022
c) 2015
Answer: b) 2022
3. What is the Memory Cloud Atlas?
Answer: An online gallery where people share photos of clouds from around the world.
4. What are clouds made of?
Answer: Tiny drops of water or ice crystals.
5. Name two ways clouds are important for Earth.
Answer: They bring rain and snow, and they help keep the Earth cool by reflecting sunlight.
6. What type of cloud is fluffy and often seen on sunny days?
Answer: Cumulus clouds
7. True or false: A cloud is always light and empty.
Answer: False. Clouds can hold tons of water.
Sinead is a writer and EFL teacher with eight years’ experience. She’s a native English speaker who loves making news stories fun and easy to understand for children around the world. Her passions include travel, animals, and helping to make the world a kinder, more sustainable place.
