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 
Wow – these are so powerful. You’ve got some talented and empathetic young writers!! Isn’t the story just amazing? The last page definitely causes tears!
I agree with the Holly and Margaret that 14 Cows for America is a fantastic read aloud. Margaret Matthew’s poem reads like he was there. Where did he finds the descriptions since they are accurate statements?
I too was deeply saddened by yesterday’s remembrance events.Since I do not have students, I found a student created poem that I was enamored with. I used that to pair with my overlay on a vintage card. You can see my post at http://beyondliteracylink.blogspot.com/2014/09/still-sadness-in-hearts-on-911.html.
Matthew said that his mother’s friend’s friend was there, so I think he has heard stories. I feel as though some of our children have a deeper understanding than we often give them credit for. Thanks for commenting.
Powerful.
Student parent always hits me right hard in my heart. Thank you.