i won’t bring it up. i won’t offer my memories. i will help count out the number of days on the calendar. i will say it is “september 11, 2012” and i will remember what it was like to be 7 months pregnant in that exact classroom 11 years ago. then we will paint. with every color available in paint and all colors that could possibly be mixed. we’ll use brushes and we’ll use hands. we’ll listen to music and celebrate the freedom of childhood that is captured in our classroom.
then we’ll stick this little note on each painting…a gift for families:
“while we didn’t discuss the events of september 11, 2001, we talked about
the ways we can be kind, the ways we can solve conflict, the ways we can
change the world to be a better place. you adults who are reading this note
likely remember the moments of 9/11/01. may the colors created by a child’s
own two hands give you hope and reassurance of the goodness that is.”
:: :: :: ::
printable available:
newcreationpreschool.com 
Reblogged this on preschool daze and commented:
I can’t hear the numbers “nine” and “eleven” in consecutive order without feeling a subtle stomach lurch and heart race. but those are my feelings and not necessarily anyone else’s, especially the humans who are a mere few years on this earth.
it’s another opportunity to consider our role as teachers, to be available and guide.
so in honor of tomorrow’s date, I offer these thoughts from a couple of years ago.
we’ll do it again.
LikeLike
This is seriously amazing! So helpful! Thank you!
LikeLike
You are such a beautiful person, love the whole thing
LikeLike
Thank you for the quiet reassurance-sending hope & blessings to us all!
LikeLike
This is truly beautiful.
LikeLike
I love this. What a great way to teach young preschool students who are too young to understand and know the events of 9/11. Adults know and were greatly affected by those tragic events. Thanks for sharing.
LikeLike
You are an amazing teacher!
LikeLike
I might just use this in my classroom tomorrow.
LikeLike
I love this and plan to use it in my classroom tomorrow. Thank you so much for this!
LikeLike
Very inspiring. I love Ben Harper’s song.
LikeLike
You are so inspiring. Truly remarkable.
LikeLike
Awesome! Can’t do better than this!
LikeLike