9-11 and My Sixth Grade Class

When I look at my dashboard I have noticed that quite a few of you have written about this date. I feel like I am the only person in the US who does not "celebrate" this day.

I do, however, remember what I did in my Social Studies class that day so my 6th graders would understand what was going on. I had the TV on all day so that each of my 5 classes would be able to watch what was going on and I discussed it with all of them. I had a VERY meaningful discussion about the Islamic religion that day . . and as soon as we finished the topic we were on I went immediately to the chapters of the book that dealt with the Islamic religion and the Muslim culture.

I had visions of parents calling and complaining. Instead, I had calls, notes and emails thanking me for doing what I was doing. The editor of the local newspaper had a daughter in my class. She sent a reporter and photographer to my class to cover what I was doing. A picture and article ended up on the front page of the paper.

I  had to laugh at myself. I always sat on the edge of on of the tables I had when I was very serious about what I was talking about / explaining. Arnold Ernest, the photographer, captured that "moment in time." That was the pix on the front page. It was interesting . . you could see the seriousness in my body language, but you could also see I was open to any questions. Body language is such an interesting thing.

Somewhere I had a copy of the article, matted and framed by a friend. Now I am wondering just where that picture is? Wonder if I threw it away when we moved . . .I hope not, but I'll bet I did. I knew there would not be a place here to hang it. So sad . . my 1 chance at being famous and I pitched the pix.

Signed,
I Cared, Therefore I Taught
(12061)