Lesson Plan - A Day That Changed America

Watch a Video: Remembering 9/11
After watching, discuss: Why is September 11, 2001, a tragic day in U.S. history?

Preview Words to Know
Project the online vocabulary slideshow and introduce the Words to Know. 

• terrorists
• debris

Set a Purpose for Reading
Have students list words describing Gregg Hansson’s 9/11 experience.

1. Why did Hansson run into the tower when other people were running out?
Although other people were running out of the burning tower, Hansson ran into it to try to put out the blaze and help people who were still inside.
^{R.1 Inference}

2. What specific details about Hansson’s experience on 9/11 does the article include?
The article describes how Hansson carried heavy equipment up many flights of stairs, felt the tower he was in shake, and escaped just before the tower collapsed.
^{R.6 Firsthand Account}

3. What can you learn from the map on page 5?
From the map, you can learn the locations of the three terror attacks on September 11, 2001—New York City; Arlington, Virginia; and Shanksville, Pennsylvania.
^{R.7 Using Maps}

FEATURED SKILL: Reflective Writing
Experts advise allowing time for students to process what they’ve learned about 9/11. Use the skill builder “Reflecting on 9/11” to have students think and write about what heroism means to them. 
^{W.1 Opinion Writing}