Hello Darlings!

I hope your first days back to school have been amazing! I know the exhaustion that comes with those early days is a lot to handle but I also know the joy of those early relationships that come with your new classroom family (not to mention Starbucks runs for all things pumpkin spice and allll the laminating). 

You are likely knee deep in paperwork handed back from families, a million emails from admin, and you’re doing everything possible to get out from under the planning that needs to take place. Let me help!

With Patriot’s Day fast approaching, I wanted to share some resources that can help you begin some incredible conversation. Disclaimer: Make sure to preview videos prior to sharing because these are sensitive topics.

Here are my top 3! I love to pause the video at various points to inspire conversation with my students. If you aren’t comfortable or ready for students conversing over the topic, feel free to have them journal in silence. From here, snag a few notebooks and read them to the class (keeping the author anonymous) and host a larger conversation as a whole group. Check them out: 

• Patriot’s Day video
• Memorial Museum video
• BrainPop video

Next up…my favorite read alouds for Patriots’ Day! It isn’t a secret how much I love to read to my kids! It really brings us together around a topic we can all engage with. Some of my ultimate favorites are:

September 12: We Knew Everything Would Be Alright

This touching story walks through the mindset of a first grade classroom as they process the day after the September 11th terrorist attacks. Truly eye opening and an easy entrance into such a heavy date in our history!

This Very Tree

This story will warm your heart and inspire amazing discussion with your students! It discusses a tree that was planted between the two towers as a place of rest and refuge for people and animals alike. When the buildings collapsed, it was shocking for many to learn that this very tree survived. A true story of resilience that allows students to unpack a deep part of our nation’s history.

30,000 Stitches

I love this story because it unwraps the rich history of our flag and how it came to be! This fun story unpacks the backstory that many do not know and it opens up the opportunity for a team building craft or a phenomenal discussion in whole group. 

Fireboat

I just love a true story!! This sweet story of a fireboat pulled out of retirement to support the saving of many lives holds a special place on my shelf each September. 

That is all for my now my friends!! Happy teaching and welcome back!

DM me on Instagram @thatteachingspark or tag me in a picture of your back to school plans!