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.)
one of my favorite shots from snorkeling yesterday!
Abacos! Living the Life!
channeling my inner Katniss! Bow and Arrow at Chasco!
Prepare for Picture Spam! My FAVORITE tree ever :) GORGEOUS!
Daddy and I at the Abaco Inn…I miss the Abacos and snorkeling EVERY day!
Rocking my Lilly yesterday for National Wear Lilly Pulitzer Day :)
Update from the Abacos
Day One:
1. Survived the flight in the tiny plane to get here (literally my family plus ONE other lady!)
2. Survived the taxi ride to the ferry (they drive on the OPPOSITE side of the road, SCARY)
3. Drinks at Lubber’s Landing (bar owned by the couple we are renting from) enjoyed a giant margarita
4. Found our place and unloaded the boat
5. Out to dinner at Cracker P’s (enjoyed delicious Mojitios, got a little giggly)
Day Two:
1. Woke up every hour during the night
2. Listening to weird frogs making LOUD noises outside
3. Headed to Guana Cay for lunch and snorkeling, survived the BUMPIEST boat ride ever!
4. Ate lunch at Nipper’s, no alcohol for me just water…but some people were definitely “having a good time”
5. Snorkeled
6. Waited out GIANT thunderstorm under the post office roof
7. Made our way home…almost died several times due to thunder and lighting
8. Screamed “LAAAAAAAND” as I got off the boat.
Day Three
1. Mom, Dad and Brother went into to town to go grocery shopping while I slept (Benadryl knocked me out!) I am COVERED in mosquito bites…literally over 35 on my legs alone!
2. Snorkeled at a really cool underwater National Park (Pelican Park? specifically Sandy Cay) Saw a Stingray and other cool fish
3. Ate lunch at Pete’s Bar and Grill, and ran into a family we know from home! I saw the little son, and made a comment about how similar he looked, and then we saw his parents! haha
4. They told us about a great spot to see GIANT Starfish, so we headed that way…but unfortunately we almost ran out of gas.
5. Went Kayaking with Dad…made friends with little boy named Ethan who lives next door and owns a paddle board. He followed us the entire way chatting up a storm! He has lived in the Bahamas his entire life (all EIGHT years of it!)
Dad, Brother and I outside of one of the restaurants :)
