Remembering 9/11 in ECE Classrooms.....And a SURPRISE GIVEAWAY!!!!

Like the generation before me remembers exactly where they were when JFK was assassinated, I remember exactly what I was doing when news of the first plane crash broke on 9/11. I was in a Pre-K class in Ga.. My director came in and told me briefly that a plane had crashed into one of the World Trade Towers. She covered my class while I went in to watch the news, just in time to see the 2nd plane hit. Although we had moved back to Georgia almost a year earlier, my husband had just moved to be with us a couple of months before. He had had to stay in NY to train his replacement. While we lived there, his train delivered him to one of the Trade Center towers every day (right about the same time the planes hit) and he walked to one of the neighboring buildings where his office was located. He took our daughter with him frequently to work and she would visit the "candy man" in one of the little stores in the Trade Center. Had we not moved back to Ga., he would have most probably been in the building at the time of the tragedy. Sadly, he lost many, many friends that day. I often think about the fact that if circumstances had only been a little different, I could have lost my husband, and our family would have been forever changed.

Because I now live in the south, and it is so far removed, I don't directly teach about 9/11. Terrorism is not what I want my 4 year olds worried with at their young age. There will be plenty of time for that.  I know that as a teacher, however, I would like to show my respect for all those lives changed on that terrible day. I think I will spend a little time that day teaching a mini civics lesson to the children. In my heart, I'll be remembering all those who lost their lives on that sad day. I think the best way to do that is to sing a patriotic song or two, and read a patriotic book.

Here's a great patriotic song called "Red, White and Blue" by Debbie Clement. The video demonstrates the sign language motions to go along with the song. Unlike many of our standard patriotic favorites, the lyrics are in simple language children will easily understand. Debbie Clement has done a superb job with the song and book. The book has just been awarded the INDIE Excellence Book Award. For a sneak peek at some of the beautiful illustrations, click here on Debbie's post, "First Professional Reading".

Be sure to check out the linky party over at Rainbows Within Reach for more ideas and links!

If you're in need of a little art activity to go along, click here for some fireworks art I posted this summer.

Hold the presses!!!! This just in!!! 

I have exciting news!!!! 

One lucky reader will win a signed copy of Red, White and Blue, personally signed by Debbie Clement! Hip, Hip, Hooray!!!!


Okay, so here are the rules to enter:
     Leave a comment on this post sharing an early childhood age-appropriate idea or activity that could be used to show civic pride.
     Entries for this giveaway will close on Tuesday, August 16, 2011 at midnight, EST. The winner will be chosen by Random Generator on Wednesday, August 17, 2011.
    You must use a valid email address in the comment form in order to enter. The winner's email address will be shared with Debbie Clement, so she can mail the book directly.

Good luck and start sharing!! :)

Be sure to join the Blog Hop hosted by Rainbows Within Reach for more great ideas, or better yet, add your linky here!