I am linking up with Erica Bohrer to share my 9/11 activities!
Last year I was in awe when I saw how poised and thoughtful my little firsties were when discussing this sensitive day. Many parents had already discussed the topic with their kids before they came to school so it gave us a great starting off point.
We first created a circle map on the board just sharing what we knew about the day.
After that we watched a short video. I can no longer find the link, but I saw that BrainPop has just created a great FREE video to explain 9/11 to kids.
(click the pic above to check out the video)
I then share with my kids my own personal memory of that tragic day and explain that the most amazing part was how the entire country came together to show their strength and pride.
Next, we discuss all the reasons we are proud to be Americans and record them on the board. After we have brainstormed a bunch of reasons, I usually remind my students that the U.S. symbol, the bald eagle, represents strength and freedom.
Then we will complete this cute little bald eagle craft:
and we fill out these little papers I made to hang on the wall with our eagles:
{click the image to download from googledocs}
((Many thanks to Melonheadz and Fancy Dog Studio for the graphics))
It is also an easy way to decorate one of my walls just in time for back-to-school night in a couple weeks!
That’s what we will be doing in good ole Ms. Moran’s room! What will you be doing to teach your students about 9/11????
Great post. I love brainpop and your Eagle is precious.
Brainpop is my hero!!! I use it all the time 🙂 And thanks, I was happy to find it on pinterest and it was easy enough to make… now lets hope my kiddos can both trace AND cut out their hands on construction paper!
This is absolutely perfect!!! I love the craftivity!! 🙂
Lisa
Learning Is Something to Treasure
Thanks, Lisa 🙂
I love BrainPop and BrainPop Jr…they're life savers!! The bald eagle craftivity is too cute!! Thanks for the great ideas. 🙂
LOVE it! Thanks so much for the freebie! I've been thinking a lot about this over the weekend, trying to figure out exactly what I will be doing and if you don't mind.. this is on the list! I also read, September 12th, We Knew Everything Would Be All Right. If you haven't read it, here's the link to Amazon. 🙂 http://www.amazon.com/September-12th-Everything-Would-Right/dp/043944246X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1347156908&sr=8-1&keywords=september+12th+we+knew+everything+would+be+all+right
Have a GREAT week!!!
Maria
http://curiousfirsties.blogspot.com
What a wonderful and sensitive way to share this day. Well done
Tania
Mrs Poultney's Ponderings
What a great activity. Thank you for sharing it. I usually read the book "The Fireboat" to my third graders. It's informative and has great illustrations without being too much for them. Here's a link for the book: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/fireboat-maira-kalman/1102157207?ean=9780142403624
That eagle is too cute! I love it {and the worksheet, too}! I usually make an American flag streamer on 9/11, and hang them across the windows in my classroom!
❤Teri
A Cupcake for the Teacher
Looove the eagle, I want to do it next year!! It's already planned! What a great & heart warming way to teach our young children! Wonderful job you are doing!
Amy Howbert
Little Miss Organized
amyhowbert1@gmail.com
pop on over & say hello!
Thanks for the "I'm proud to be an American freebie. We used it this week in my classroom on 9/11 for a writing activity. I shared with several other 2nd grade teachers who also used it. Love all the ideas I get from blogging. I am also working on a post with you idea I used. Thanks again.
ilive2learnilove2grow
You are so sweet! I'm glad you could use it!! I love the ideas I get from blogging too! It makes me such a better teacher!!
Love this worksheet! Exactly what I was looking for to help my students remember this day.
Great