Lesson Plan - Climbing for Heroes

Watch the Video

Build background knowledge by playing the video “Remembering 9/11.” Discuss with students how the 9/11 attacks changed America.

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

• first responders

Set a Purpose for Reading
As students read, have them think about why it is important to remember the heroes of 9/11.

1. Why is September 11, 2001, a sad day in our nation’s history?
September 11, 2001, is a sad day in our nation’s history because it is the day when terrorists flew planes into the Twin Towers in New York City, the Pentagon in Virginia, and into a field in Pennsylvania. Nearly 3,000 people were killed, including hundreds of emergency workers who tried to help others. 
_{(RI.3.3 Cause and Effect)} 

2. Why do you think each climber is given a badge with the name of a first responder who died in the 9/11 attacks?
You can guess that each climber is given a badge with the name of a first responder who died in the 9/11 attacks to honor the first responders. The names encourage the climbers to think about the bravery of the emergency workers who died.
_{(RI.3.1 Text Evidence)}

3. What do you think would be another good title for this article? Explain.
Sample response: Another good title for this article is “Remembering 9/11” because it is all about events people are holding to remember the first responders who died in the September 11, 2001, attacks. 
_{(RI.3.2 Main Idea and Key Details)}

FEATURED SKILL: Reflective Writing
Distribute the skill builder “Honoring Heroes” and invite students to write about the heroes of 9/11 and their own heroes today. 
^{(W.3.4 Production of Writing)}