My Town Tutors is a great resource for parents & teachers. Check out our Guest Blogs for Education, Parents, Travel, Tutoring, Sports, Senior Living, Music and College.
Over 25 years have passed since that tragic day on September 11, 2001. A question each teacher faces is how should I present this event to my students?
As we pondered this on the way to school on September 11th, 2026, we passed a house with a flag pole. The owner of the house was flying the flag at half mast. One minute later, we passed a second flag pole. This flag was flying at full mast.
These contrasting flags presented a good visual of different approaches to teaching on September 11th. The 1st flag would represent the motto and belief of “Never Forget.” In contrast, the 2nd flag resembles the reality for some that people move on. The live their lives, pay their bills and may be too bust to remember the significance of that day. Additionally there is a new generation of teachers who do not have any personal memories and soon will not have been born before September 11th, 2001.
Veteran teachers have asked this question each year. How can I the best way to reach the students THIS YEAR! At the high school level, in the years immediately following 9/11, students had personal memories and stories. Teachers could present prompts and have the students respond in writing. This could be followed by sharing experiences and class discussion. It is not an easy discussion and some students might not be comfortable sharing their experiences and emotions.
With all lessons, a teacher can start by sharing personal recollections of the day. We know how difficult a topic this can be. It is important to be aware of the age and emotional levels of the students. Teachers also need to be keenly aware of their own mental health around this topic. And as always, do what you are comfortable doing.
The flag can be half mast or full.
Some additional ideas:
Watch 9/11 Documentary: This could be extremely graphic and difficult to watch for some students and teachers, so be cautious.
There is the incredible documentary of two French filmmakers, the Naudet brothers (8.5 IMBD). Jules Clément Naudet and Thomas Gédéon Naudet were recording the experiences of a rookie firefighter. His firehouse was the first to respond to the attack, so the footage has become an amazing resource for a firsthand account this tragic day.
Family / Friend Interview:
One fairly simple assignment is to interview a person who was alive during that day and asked them to recount their experiences and memories. With each year the number of individuals with memories dwindles, however these voices are important to hear.
StoryCorps September 11th Initiative is a great resource to find personal accounts of 9/11 that you feel our appropriate for your students. For the 9/11 interview simply provide the students with a list of potential questions to ask individuals and allow them the flexibility to take the interview in whichever direction they feel comfortable.
Students can videotape the interview, audiotape the interview, meet face-to-face, call on the phone or use FaceTime. Another option would be to share the questions via email or texts. Technology has changed quite a bit since 2001. Allow the students to use the method they feel most comfortable.
We feel it very useful for students to process this activity by writing a three paragraph reflection at the end of the interview, just to share what was learned in the emotions of both the interviewer and the interview.
The one amazing thing about America following 9/11 was the unity and patriotism shown by the citizens. People came together to support each other. A teacher can share the different ways that America United. This is different way to approach teaching 9/11 that is a little more uplifting than the facts of the day.
One of the most incredible events was the telethon with celebrities and musical artists. Performers from all around the globe sang meaningful songs to help a nation heal. The musical artists were very conscious of the songs they chose and thoughtful of the manner in the presentation and version of the song.
Shortly after that tragic event, America was unified for one great cause and raised significant money ($200 Million) to go to the victims and survivors of 9/11. The performers came from a wide range of musical genres.
One option is to share with a class one particular performance that a teacher feels is appropriate. Veteran teachers can pick a musical artist they enjoy or a musical performance that they feel captures the spirit of 9/11 and the recovery of America.
Tom Petty played “I Won’t Back Down” which emphasizes the resiliency of America and the commitment to bringing justice to those who committed this atrocious and horrific act.
Bruce Springsteen My City of Ruins
An additional option would be to look at how music can help heal. Bruce Springsteen is an incredible gift to America. His songs have had such a huge impact on so many, but his album in response to 9/11 is something special. The song “Empty Skies” is about the complete stoppage of air travel. There was not one plane in the sky.
U2 & 9/11 & Super Bowl XXXVI: U2 Halftime 9/11 Tribute
One option could be U2. U2 performed with George Harrison from London. This shows the worldwide and international impact of the event and the concern of international artists for America.