September 11th, 2016

This week is full of both historic and family friendly celebrations.  

9-11  It is overwhelming to think that freshmen who enter high school this year are the first who will study September 11, 2001 as a historic event that didn't even occur in their lifetime.  As I was reading articles across the web it was amazing to me that some educators are avoiding the subject all together.  While I do realize that 9/11 is a sensitive topic due to the horror of the day, I don't believe we should sidestep it.  I found an article put out by the 9/11 memorial that has some good ideas for broaching the subject with students.   You could also visit the 9/11 Memorial site for more lesson plan ideas. 

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9-12 is National Day of Encouragement.  The National Day of Encouragement in the United States was announced in 2007 and occurs each year on September 12. The Encouragement Foundation at Harding University in Searcy, Arkansas launched an effort to get Americans to participate in this Day of Encouragement.  Why not try to have your students create a positive meme.  Most folks know that memes are typically sarcastic but have your students turn the tables on a sarcastic meme.  Cheezeburger is pretty safe and easy for students in grades 4 & up.  Or you could use READ Write Think's Comic Creator to have your students create comics that are encouraging.  

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9-13 is Kids Take Over the Kitchen Day!  Originally pioneered by the Young Chefs Academy, this is a fun movement with its roots in a serious cause. It was designed to help children start thinking about healthy eating choices.  For young children you may just want them to plan the dinner and then help you with the preps.  Older children could plan, shop, and then prepare the entire dinner.  Wouldn't it be amazing to see our Facebook pages fill up with pictures of kids in the kitchen.  

9-14  On this day in history, Francis Key Scott Wrote “The Star Spangled Banner in 1814.  Children know that this song plays at the beginning of many of our sporting events but they often do not understand the history behind the song.  You can find lesson plans and videos on the The History Channel Site.

9-15 is International Dot Day!  The website by Peter Reynolds posts, "Imagine the power and potential of millions of people around the world connecting, collaborating, creating and celebrating all that creativity inspires and invites."  What a fun day!  On Dot Day students could be encouraged to wear dots, polka dots or paint their faces with dots.  Read the book, The Dot by Peter Reynolds or show the Youtube video of the story being read.  You can then teach your students The Dot Song.  Have them create a dot and pull all the dots together into a Google Slide Show to share with parents or create a Photostory of all the dots.

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9-16 is the official National Constitution Day; however, the real anniversary of the signage is Saturday 9-17.  At Constitution Center.org they have some great lesson plans and interactives you can use with your kids.  

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