Sara Smiles

Today I got to teach my second graders about September 11, 2001…a day I and many other Americans will never forget. It was strange to think that my students were not even alive when this tragedy occurred. The only information they know about this date was what their parents chose to share, or what they overheard on the radio or television.

We started the day writing about ways people show courage or bravery. I was very impressed with my second graders ability to grasp such a complicated idea.

I utilized children’s book to share the event in a less graphic manner. I used the children’s book called Fireboat. It was a story that shared what happened, but focused more on how the people of the United States came together.

My class has never been so silent when I read a story. They sat waiting to hear every word…

And when the story was over, every single students hand flew into the air. “How could this have happened?” “IT was an accident right? No one would ever do that on purpose” “What MEAN people” and the questions went on and on and on. They were the SAME questions I found myself asking 11 years ago when I came home from 6th grade.

We finished the day making our own American flags using construction paper and markers. We also closed with a prayer to remember all those who lost their lives. (I teach at a Catholic school, praying=ok.)

♥ Sep 11th at 5PM / via: neednoroads / op: neednoroads / tagged: shp. 911. september 11. personal. / reblog / 54 notes