9/11 can be a challenging and sensitive subject to tackle, but when addressed with thoughtfulness and care, it can be a rich source of learning about world history, empathy, community service, and the sacrifices of heroic first responders.
This collection of bestselling fiction and non-fiction books, engaging reading and writing activities, inventive arts and crafts activities, as well as student-centered videos, presentations, and virtual tours, are sure to give your students a solid grasp of the historical significance of this important day.
1. Read and Discuss a Non-Fiction Book
This excellent book recounts the true story tale of two girls who were delivering boxes of over 2400 roses by plane on 9/11 but never made it to their destination. It makes for a wonderful discussion starter about the importance of human connection in coping with terrible tragedies.
Learn More: Amazon
2. Watch a Brainpop Video with Video Guide
In this educational, animated Brainpop video, the dynamic duo, Tim and Moby recount the timeline of the 9-11 tragedy and explore terrorism and its underlying causes. It ends on an affirmative note by celebrating the incredible stories of courage of everyday heroes who rose to the occasion to support their fellow countrymen. The accompanying video guide features questions sure to generate rich discussion as well as quizzes, vocabulary flashcards, and related reading.
Learn More: Brain Pop
3. Patriot Day Educational Resource
This bundled craft activity includes military, police officer, and firefighter templates, as well as three hero writing, prompts to encourage mindful reflection. It’s a great independent activity for honoring this important day in history.
Learn More: We Heart Edu
4. Patriot Day Reading Comprehension Lesson Plan
These digital task cards feature two reading passages with eleven comprehension questions each. The accompanying writing activities are a great way to review reading strategies, as well as identify cause-and-effect relationships while developing story sequencing skills.
Learn More: Boom Learning
5. Patriot Day Craft Idea
This patriotic heart craft repurposes scrap paper in a creative and eye-catching way to create a beautiful classroom decoration or keepsake. Why not add a patriotic quote or poem to each heart to further enhance student learning?
Learn More: My Creative Life
6. Connect with an Inspiring Story
Fireboat by Maira Kalman has become a classic recount of the tragic events of September 11th. Kalman explains what happened with great sensitivity and in a way, children can understand. This read-aloud can be combined with an activity on the qualities of a hero for students to reflect on how they can contribute to their country as caring citizens.
Learn More: Tales of Patty Pepper
7. Memorializing 9/11
After reviewing basic information about the 9/11 attacks, students will learn the concept of a memorial site and what it means to memorialize or pay tribute to an important event from the past.
Learn More: 9/11 Memorial and Museum
8. Patriot Day Collage School Activity
This creative collage combines an American flag with a painting of the Twin Towers both set against a newsprint background. The newspaper clippings make a great opportunity to discuss how this important event in American history was covered by the mainstream media.
Learn More: I Can Teach My Child
9. Explore Historical Events With a Virtual Interactive Museum Tour
This pre-made digital activity takes students on a path through the 9/11 Memorial Museum’s extensive exhibitions. This online activity would pair nicely with a quiz to test student understanding.
Learn More: 9/11 Memorial and Museum
10. Create a 9/11 Coloring Book
Coloring is not only a relaxing activity for students during the school day, but can also help develop their fine motor skills, concentration, and patience.
Learn More: Pastiche Family Portal
11. Read and Discuss A Fact Sheet about Patriot Day
This well-researched list of historical facts offers an easy-to-understand explanation of the meaning behind Patriot Day.
Learn More: The Frugal Homeschooling Mom
12. Listen to a Read Aloud
Nora Raleigh Baskin’s bestselling book looks at the events leading up to that momentous day in American history. It illustrates how the lives of four children were irrevocably changed as a result of the events and explore the importance of relationship and family in rebuilding after a traumatic event.
Learn More: Simon Kids
13. Make and Read a Flip Book
Students are sure to enjoy assembling their own flipbooks, available in black and white or color. After reading through the various information sheets, they can share their learning in a class discussion or in small groups.
Learn More: Twinkl
14. Study a 9/11 Events Timeline Exploring the Major Events
This presentation provides an overview of the events on September 11 in a thoughtful manner. The images are carefully chosen but can always be edited as you see fit to best address this sensitive issue.
Learn More: Twinkl
15. Try an Activity Bundle Detailing the Historic Event
This fantastic and rich activity bundle includes a lesson on empathy to prepare students to address this challenging subject. There are reading comprehension task cards as well as a story written from the point of view of a ten-year-old young girl. There are also some wonderful extension activity ideas and a 9/11 poster you can use in the classroom.
Learn More: The Whimsical Teacher
16. Supplement Classroom Learning with PBS Videos
This comprehensive lesson plan explores the impact of the 9/11 attacks in great detail and features PBS videos that bring the events to life while being mindful to not include disturbing images.
Learn More: PBS
17. Explore Being a Virtual Hero
This series of engaging games challenge students to see how many flights of stairs they can climb as a firefighter, help a police officer clear the streets for an ambulance, and treat injured people as a paramedic.
Learn More: The 9/11 Lesson
18. Learn About Islam and World Cultures
Learning about Islam and world cultures is one way to avoid giving in to stereotypes and making assumptions about others. By learning how we are unique and different but also similar, we learn tolerance, respect, and understanding of those from different walks of life and contribute to a more peaceful world.
Learn More: The 9/11 Lesson
19. Complete a 9/11 Community Service Project
One way to commemorate 9/11 is through service in honor of the heroes who risked their lives to help others. Students can choose from many ideas including writing positive messages with chalk on the sidewalk, preparing a disaster relief kit, and making thank you cards for first responders.
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20. Interview Someone Who Remembers
By interviewing someone, students will become familiar with the process of using oral accounts to learn about the history and be given an opportunity to reflect on their own views of 9/11. This interactive approach to learning is a great way to develop interpersonal skills, as well as strengthen students’ empathy and listening abilities.
Learn More: Choices Program
21. Watch and Discuss a Kid-Friendly Video
This kid-centered video features elementary students explaining the events and impact of 9/11 in an accessible and easy-to-understand manner.
Learn More: YouTube
22. Reflect on the 9/11 Memorial
Studying the 9/11 Memorial, titled Reflecting on Absence offers students an opportunity to discuss how art can be used to remember, honor, and heal. Instead of facts and figures, it gives them a chance to use their senses and connect emotionally with art.
Learn More: Art Class Curator
23. Make 9/11 Art
Making art is a wonderful way to process and express emotions about this significant day in American history.
Learn More: Teacher by the Beach
24. Write a Thank You Letter
This letter-writing lesson is a great way to instill gratitude and appreciation for the countless heroes who risked their lives to help their communities.
Learn More: Erica’s Ed-ventures
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