In memory of September 11th, I decided that we would review our unit study from a few weeks ago. We really enjoyed our unit study on Fireboat by Maira Kalman. This is a wonderful book that deals with September 11th and honors our fallen citizens and heroes while still presenting the horrors of that day in a kid-friendly way.
To review the unit study, we read the book this morning and then looked at the lapbook the kids had made earlier. You can see an example of it and an example of the kids' collage fireboat art work in the photos.
When you are remembering a horror such as September 11th, I think it is important that you teach the children how to cope with it. I fear that, if the children were simply told about the horror of that day without additional teaching, they would be more likely to allow fear to turn to hate in their hearts. After we reviewed the "Good Samaritan" story, we talked about loving everyone, not just our friends and family.
Jesus said, "Love your enemies! Pray for those who persecute you! In that way you will be acting as true sons of your Father in heaven. For he gives his sunlight to both the evil and the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust too. If you love only those who love you, what good is that? Even scoundrels do that much. If you are friendly only to your friends, how are you different from anyone else? Even the heathen do that. But you are to be perfect, even as your Father in heaven is perfect." (Matthew 5:43-48)
We discussed ways to show tolerance to those who are not like us and pray for those who do evil. Later this afternoon after tea time, I plan on having each child say a prayer for a person who has wronged them and lighting a candle for that person. I want my children to know that, by living their lives with love and tolerance, they will have a profoundly positive impact on the world!
Later, in the photos of the balloon, we did a balloon release with our prayers for the world today. First photo shows the big teen hiding behind his balloon LOL; second photo shows his balloon got caught in a tree; but then in the third photo, it takes off!
Blessings, Dawn
What a wonderful lapbook! It is so true we need to teach our kids how to deal with these tragic events, etc. This way they aren't just scared but do know how to deal with things - on both a small and large scale!
ReplyDeleteAgain- the lapbook is awesome!
SchoolinRHome
Thanks for posting about that book. I've never heard of that one. The lapbook looks great!
ReplyDeleteto remember 9/11. I love your ideas of saying prayers, lighting candles, and the balloon release. I bet it helps them understand how to deal with those emotions. Great lapbook also. As always your teaching is inspirational.
ReplyDeleteYou did a great job with this. So great that they are loving learning, too.
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