September 11th is a day that will live in many people’s memories forever. I know it will in mine. I can remember exactly where I was and what I was doing. It was the September after I graduated college. It changed many people’s lives forever. And while I wasn’t yet teaching a class of children it was one of the moments that drove me to grow up and find a full-time teaching job. By the end of this post, you will learn ideas for remembering September 11th with students. I have used these ideas with elementary students in grades as young as second.
Remember 9-11 by wearing Patriotic Colors
One of the easiest ways to honor the heroes who died on September 11th is wearing red white and blue school wide or even just in your classroom. We have done this where I have taught every year since 9-11.
Teach Students About 9-11
I know this can be a sensitive topic but teaching students what Patriot Day is and why we remember September 11th as a holiday is important to our country and its history. There are many resources for remembering September 11th with elementary students that are appropriate just be sure to screen them first.
Read About 9-11
Simply incorporating a nonfiction reading passage about 9-11 can be a great way to start remembering September 11th with elementary students. For example, this passage focuses on the Heros of 9-11 and not the devastation. Approaching traumatic events in this way allows students to learn about sensitive subject matter without upsetting them. Have questions about teaching nonfiction? You can read my tips here.
Remembering September 11th Using Maps
After learning about 9-11 have students read and or draw maps of the area around the Twin Towers and the Memorial. This is a great way to shift the focus to another social studies standard and not dwell on the negative aspect.
I hope this gives you some ideas for remembering September 11th with your students!
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