In memory of the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001 we spent the majority of our afternoon discussing and exploring 9/11 facts and resources. The learning session started with me defining terrorism by using our social studies textbook. I then told them "my 9/11 story." I fielded questions, and of course, answered them in the most age appropriate way possible (click here for elementary age appropriate information). I informed my students that September 11 is officially known as: National Day of Service and Remembrance.
In honor of 9/11 the students watched a short video from 9/11day.org. The video asks,"How will you remember 9/11?" It also asks viewers to "Share your good deed or heartfelt message." In response to the good deed/heartfelt message students wrote an "I will..." sentence. Their "I wills" consisted of: I will..make my bed, help my grandma shop, be a good big brother, donate, help to take of my niece, and more! I also wrote an "I will" statement: I will teach my fifth grade students about the 9/11 attacks and true heroism.
In honor of 9/11 remembrance I let the students explore www.911memorial.org and other nonfiction resource materials (books with pictures of heroes and copies of headlines from newspapers from across the nation) with my guidance.
I did one final activity with the students; it was the question: In your opinion, what would the sky look like on the best day ever? We did a little project with this question, and I will be adding another post with more information tomorrow...
And if you're interested... My 9/11 Story: I was in fifth grade during the attacks 13 years ago (the same age at my students!). I didn't fully understand the severity of what was occurring. I remember watching the news on the T.V. in my school's library, I remember being confused about governments, and I remember gas prices skyrocketed as everyone tried to fill their gas tanks. As a learner I tend to be interested in history (specifically American history--my entire being beams with Americanism--I even proudly display an American flag in my car), so 9/11 has been a captivating event to me since that September day 13 years ago. I have read books, watched movies, and this summer I had the opportunity to visit the 9/11 Memorial in New York City. It was the most amazing museum--somber but appropriate. I would like to share a few pictures from the memorial and museum with you...
