I know it isn’t Wednesday, which means I shouldn’t be writing about work – but I was pretty busy this week with lesson planning. I am making up some of the posts that I would’ve written during the week.. I gave myself a “new rule”, in which I can write a post that does not relate to the daily theme (like Caturday right now) if I also write one that connects to the theme. So it forces me to write two in one day for deciding to break the Distinct Days 😮 Here goes!
The first REAL day of school was September 11, and the school had a small service for the 4th-6th graders – we all watched the tolling of the bells video and said prayers for family members lost in the attack. Afterwards the 5th grade teachers wanted to have a more in-depth conversation with the students. They explained where they were when it happened, and more about the awful day. It was very interesting to me to see how they handled the situation of hardship and how not to scare the children. I forgot that since it happened in 2001, the students were not even born when it occurred. They knew September 11 is a day of remembrance, but had very little sense of why. The teachers allowed the students to ask questions and gave very honest answers.
It showed me how important it is to explain horrible situations. but without recreating the fear. The students just wanted to know how and why the planes were hijacked, and what occurred afterwards. I always talk about MLK day, but have never brought up 9/11 in a school setting. I will definitely deal with it the same way as my coteachers in years to come.
Hannah's Happenings! 
I wonder how children’s minds process such information. Kudos to the teachers explaining such horrific incidents in a manner that doesn’t recreate the fear.
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I don’t have kids, so I don’t have to think about this too often, but I can see that this would be a difficult conversation to have. Definitely needs to be done though.
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I remember being in school when this happened. My parents were in NYC when the towers fell and I remember this cramping feeling in my chest. I began to sweat and gasp for air because I was so worried for their safety. It must be hard to talk about a subject like this to a group so young. Thank you for what you do!
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Thank you for sharing your story! And of course 🙂
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Explaining hardships to kids can be one of the most difficult things to do. Thank you for handling it the way you did.
Sondra xx
prettyfitfoodie.com
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I love read your stories!! I don’t have kids but i remember my childhood
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I think it was a brilliant idea to give the children space to think about that tragic day and ask questions. It’s often easy for us as teachers to want to fill their heads and silent spaces with information. But, it is best to give them some details and let them process the rest.
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This is a great post, thanks for sharing. I know many hardships are not that easy for everyone
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Still remember being in school for this — such a tough day!
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Oh wow it sounds like they handled telling the kids about it in a great way – I love this! Thank you for sharing your story.
Megan
http://www.lifeonshadylane.com
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It showed me how important it is to explain horrible situations. but without recreating the fear. ( you are so right) History is deemed to repeat itself if we deny it)
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A very sensitive subject. Especially when it involves explaining this day that “will never be forgotten” to children. It looks like it was handled wonderfully.
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This is a very difficult topic to address. I usually avoid talking about things that I cannot explain to myself and 9-11 is one of them.
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Great read as I can relate! My kids are grown up and your post reminds me of them.
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Explaining hardships is really hard, especially to children. and then to try to see if they truly understand can be hard too. Good post, keep it up..
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