9/11 Day of Service and Remembrance and Scholastic Launch Service Learning Program for Educators, Families and Students

Program Helps Teachers Discuss 9/11 in a Constructive Way; Features Free Educational Resources and Tools

NEW YORK, Sept. 1, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Organizers of the 9/11 Day of Service and Remembrance and Scholastic today announced a new educational program (available free at 911day.org and Scholastic.com/911day) designed to help America's children learn about 9/11 in a constructive, nonthreatening way and inspire them to participate in the 9/11 Day Observance through good deeds and charitable service. MyGoodDeed, a leading 9/11 nonprofit organization, and HandsOn Network, the volunteer activation division of Points of Light Institute, are co-leading the national effort to organize the single largest day of charitable service in U.S. history in observance of the 10-year anniversary of 9/11 in tribute to the victims and survivors, and the many who heroically rose in service in response to the tragedy.

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20110714/DC35132LOGO)

New free resources for students in grades K–12 include six service project ideas, three lesson plans, and tips for teachers and families on talking to children about the 9/11 Day Observance and the importance of "remembering by doing." Additionally, tips on talking to children about 9/11, project ideas and new supplemental curriculum materials were provided by the National September 11 Memorial & Museum, generationOn, the youth activation division of Points of Light Institute, and 4Action Initiative. Teachers are invited to post their classroom's 9/11 tribute and share photos, videos, and plans at http://www.scholastic.com/911day. 911day.org also features links to resources from The September 11th Education Trust, Learn and Serve Clearinghouse, and Youth Service America.

"Teaching children about 9/11 can be a complex task on many levels, and we wanted to provide educators with helpful toolkits and resources that facilitated a constructive discussion and provided avenues for students to join in the national movement to pay tribute through good deeds and charitable service," said David Paine, president and cofounder of MyGoodDeed, which created the 9/11 Day of Service and Remembrance in 2002. "Future generations need to learn about what happened on 9/11, but they also need to understand what happened on 9/12, how the entire nation came together in response to the attacks."

In 2009 when MyGoodDeed and Scholastic, the global children's publishing, education, and media company, first launched this educational resource, thousands of teachers downloaded materials and implemented plans. In anticipation of the 10-year anniversary of 9/11, more than one million educators nationwide will be contacted and invited to access the free resources to help them with their lessons and project planning in tribute to 9/11.  

"We know teachers are looking to create a meaningful teaching moment around 9/11 for their students," said Ann Amstutz Hayes of Scholastic.  "We hope these resources will serve as useful tools for teachers and parents to help them engage in meaningful conversations and purposeful community activities with their children on the 10th anniversary of 9/11."

"Talking to children about September 11th is crucial; it not only gives them an understanding of one of the most difficult times in our history but allows adults to share in this experience. An important part of the lesson of 9/11 is to honor those who lost their lives and those who volunteered to help. Students will appreciate this day and understand that even in the face of such pain and sadness, people responded with courage, selflessness, and service to others, inspiring them to take action and give service," said Dr. Donna Gaffney, adviser for education and research, Project Rebirth and co-founder, 4 Action Initiative Curriculum.

About 9/11 Day

The annual 9/11 Day Observance encourages individuals and groups to perform good deeds, support charities, and volunteer in tribute to the victims of 9/11 and all those who rose in service in response to the attacks. Besides MyGoodDeed and HandsOn Network, other program leaders to support volunteer outreach include: the National September 11 Memorial & Museum, U.S. Chamber of Commerce's Business Civic Leadership Center, AARP, The Mission Continues and the Corporation for National and Community Service. The education initiative is made possible by the generous support of American Express and national education leaders GlaxoSmithKline and Target Corporation. For more information, contact [email protected], or visit 911day.org; Facebook.com/911day; Twitter.com/911day.

SOURCE MyGoodDeed