On September 11, 2001, two hijacked airplanes crashed into the twin towers of the World Trade Center, a third hijacked plane crashed into the Pentagon, and a fourth plane crash landed in Pennsylvania. Two thousand, nine hundred and ninety-three (2,993) people lost their lives.
How to Observe and Recognize 9/11
For younger children, you might begin with the free September 11th video from BrainPOP UK. For older children, you might view together the 9/11 Memorial Interactive 9/11 Timeline. At 911memorial.org, you'll also find lesson plans, faqs, and online exhibitions.
Apples4theTeacher.com recommends the following ways to memorialize September 11th Patriot Day.
- Think about how you felt on 9/11 and let those sentiments guide your actions on this day.
- Fly an American flag at half staff.
- Observe a moment of silence for the people who lost their lives in 2001.
- Volunteer in your community to celebrate unity and service.
Consider participating in a local 9/11 Unity Walk. "It touches me greatly," said Archbishop Desmond Tutu, "that so many people of all faiths put aside their differences and walk hand in hand. I encourage these Unity Walks, not only in Washington, D.C. but around the U.S. and the world.Your actions speak volumes and I pray for your every success."
Printable Coloring Pages and Activities
Apples4theTeacher.com hosts a unit on Patriot Day printable activities, including
- coloring pages,
- poetry,
- worksheets,
- reading lists, and
- fact sheets.
You'll find more September 11 Patriot Day themed printable worksheets and craft pages at 911 remembrance crafts and the ABCTeach patriotism unit.
Patriotism and Peacefulness
With older students, you might discuss what patriotism means in light of topics such as privileges and principles, freedom and tolerance, government and global relations. In her article, 9/11: A Decade Later, Terri Sullivan wrote:
"...according to a widely recognized rating called the Global Peace Index, the United States of America now ranks eighty-second in overall peacefulness."
Patriot Day is also a good time to discuss emergency preparation for disasters, such as the natural disaster of a hurricane or the unexpected tragedy such as the attacks of September 11.
Remember that September 11 has come to represent unity and service. It's a day to recognize the heroes and the victims and the wider implications to our country and its part to play in promoting world peace.
Sara McGrath - Sara is a veteran homeschool mom of three, Usborne consultant, and the author of Unschooling: A Lifestyle of Learning.
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