Renee at No Water River is hosting the round up today. Click here to join in.
In the past I have avoided the subject of the tragic Sept. 11th with my young elementary students. Yesterday, fellow blogger Holly Mueller posted about using the book 14 Cows for America to teach empathy on Sept. 11th. So I looked in our school library first thing in the morning, and she had the book. I took it as a sign. There was also an accompanying YouTube video about the story of the 14 Cows. I showed the video and read the book aloud. I have to admit I was fighting back tears the whole time. This day affects me deeply as I am sure it does many of you.
Following the read aloud, I asked my students to write for a few minutes. I was amazed by the profound nature of their writing. They can all be found on our class kidblog, but I wanted to share a few.
Point of View
Looking at a plane,
directly in front of you,
coming closer, closer, closer,
finally, you run. But you’re too late.
It has already hit. Shards of glass graze your skin,
you’re blinded by dust. Finally, you’re out.
You wipe your eyes and see…nothing.
Fire, smoke, and debris are where you just were.
The other tower, just south of the first, is hit.
The first collapses, and you know anyone inside is gone.
–Matthew
Cows are the grass that sways.
Cows are the roads we drive on.
Cows are the great buildings standing tall.
Cows are the stars in the sky.
Cows are life.–Vannisa
Hope
passion,desperate
loving,wishing,believing
It is in you.
Wonder.
–Tyler
Reflections on the Teche 