Title: Exploring Resilience and Empathy through Nine, Ten: A September 11 Story

Grade Level: 5th grade

Objective: - To develop an understanding of the events of September 11, 2001, and their impact on individuals and communities. - To explore themes of resilience and empathy through the novel Nine, Ten: A September 11 Story by Nora Baskin. - To enhance critical thinking and analytical skills through discussions, writing activities, and creative projects.

Materials: - Copies of the novel Nine, Ten: A September 11 Story by Nora Baskin - Chart paper and markers - Sticky notes - Art supplies (colored pencils, markers, etc.) - Computer or tablet with internet access - Projector or smartboard

Lesson 1: Introduction to September 11, 2001 1. Begin by asking students if they have heard about September 11, 2001, and what they know about it. Write their responses on chart paper. 2. Show a short video or images related to the events of September 11, 2001, to provide context and engage students. 3. Discuss the impact of the events on individuals, families, and communities. Encourage students to share their thoughts and feelings. 4. Distribute sticky notes and ask students to write down any questions they have about September 11. Collect the sticky notes and save them for future discussions.

Lesson 2: Introducing the Novel 1. Introduce the novel Nine, Ten: A September 11 Story by Nora Baskin. Provide a brief summary and discuss the significance of the title. 2. Read the first chapter of the novel aloud as a class, or assign it as homework. 3. Engage students in a discussion about the characters introduced in the first chapter. Ask questions such as: How do you think the characters’ lives will be affected by the events of September 11? How might they show resilience and empathy? 4. Assign the remaining chapters of the novel for independent reading, with a set timeline for completion.

Lesson 3: Exploring Resilience 1. Begin by reviewing the concept of resilience with the students. Define resilience as the ability to bounce back from difficult situations and challenges. 2. Ask students to identify examples of resilience in the novel. Have them write down their examples and share them with a partner. 3. Create a class chart titled “Resilience in Nine, Ten: A September 11 Story” and ask students to share their examples. Write them on the chart paper. 4. In small groups, have students choose one character from the novel and create a short skit or role-play demonstrating their chosen character’s resilience. Encourage creativity and collaboration.

Lesson 4: Exploring Empathy 1. Begin by discussing the concept of empathy with the students. Define empathy as the ability to understand and share the feelings of others. 2. Ask students to identify examples of empathy in the novel. Have them write down their examples and share them with a partner. 3. Create a class chart titled “Empathy in Nine, Ten: A September 11 Story” and ask students to share their examples. Write them on the chart paper. 4. In pairs, have students choose one character from the novel and write a journal entry from that character’s perspective, expressing their thoughts and feelings about the events of September 11. Encourage students to use descriptive language and show empathy towards their chosen character.

Lesson 5: Culminating Project 1. Divide the class into small groups and assign each group a different theme from the novel (e.g., resilience, empathy, community, etc.). 2. In their groups, have students create a visual representation of their assigned theme using art supplies. They can create a poster, collage, or any other creative format. 3. Each group will present their project to the class, explaining their chosen theme and how it is portrayed in the novel. 4. Display the projects around the classroom or in a common area to showcase the students’ work.

Assessment: - Participation in class discussions and activities - Completion of reading assignments and written reflections - Creativity and effort in the culminating project