This year marks the twentieth anniversary of September 11th. It’s difficult to believe that it has been that long ago or to comprehend the number of lives lost on that day. Today’s school-age children weren’t even born yet!
Whether you choose to lightly teach on the topic, or delve deep into the politics surrounding the events, we have put together a number of resources that you can use with your children.
The 9/11 Memorial and Museum website is the logical place to begin, where you’ll find several learning resources that you can use.
- Anniversary in the Schools Webinar
During the webinar, you’ll hear the personal stories of several family members and first responders who were present at the towers. There are viewing guides available for grades 3–5, 6–8, and 9–12. There are also pre-webinar activities for grades 3–5 and 6–12 as well as post-webinar activities for all grades. - Interactive lesson plans for grades 3–12
- Several activities that you can complete at home
- A 9/11 primer that provides foundational information about the attacks
- An interactive timeline
- Digital exhibitions of the primary source documents and research
- Information on how to talk to children about terrorism
You can watch the actual news reports from September 11, 2001, and the following days at Understanding 9/11. The collection includes a library of news coverage presented by U.S. and international broadcasters on 9/11 and the days following.
History.com provides videos, audio clips, photos, and articles about the World Trade Center, the Pentagon attack, Flight 93, the collapse of the towers, America’s response, the creation of Homeland Security, the 9/11 Memorial, and much more.
Printable Resources
September 11 Lapbook from In the Hands of a Child
This pack includes an 8-day Planning Guide, Related Reading List, 21 Hands-On Activities, 10-page Research Guide, and Answer Key about the attack on the World Trade Centers, attack on the Pentagon, crash in Pennsylvania, timeline, history of the World Trade Center, the men behind the attacks, the disaster site, and more.
Notebooking Pages from Cynce’s Place
September 11 Interactive Timeline Project
9/11 and the Constitution
High school level lesson plans
September 11th YouTube Videos
Tribute to Heroes: Remembering September 11
102 Minutes that Changed America
Graphic footage: recommended for high school age
A Walk Through the 9/11 Memorial & Museum
President George W. Bush Address to the Nation
Where Were You When the World Stopped Turning by Alan Jackson
September 11th Movies to Watch
World Trade Center
(PG-13) Nicolas Cage stars in the unforgettable true story of the courageous rescue and survival of two Port Authority policemen who were trapped in the rubble on September 11, 2001, after they volunteered to go in and help.
Flight 93
(PG-13) Flight 93 is the story of the heroic passengers that took back their plane in an effort to stop a 9/11 terrorist attack.
Arts & Crafts Projects
Other Ideas & Resources?
Do you have other ideas and resources for remembering September 11th? Please share them in the comments below!