This lesson goes along with the Speeches Gallery.
| Lesson Type(s) | Grade(s) | Description |
|
Social-Emotional, Language Arts, Service, Social Studies |
3rd, 4th, 5th |
Check out speeches made after 9/11, and write your own. |
| Activity Prep | Materials | Heart Badges |
|
None |
Lined paper, Pencil |
Education, Rescue, Veterans, General |
INTRODUCE
EXPLAIN: Following the events of 9/11, multiple leaders spoke about what had happened, whether that was expressing sadness, solidarity, support for the United States or the people impacted, or to condemn the attacks.
VISIT: Speeches Gallery on 9/11 Lesson website: https://911lesson.org/speeches/
DISCUSS:
- What were some elements of the speeches that you liked/didn’t like?
- What role (if any) did emotion play into the speech? If there was an emotion, what was it?
- What type of information was the speaking trying to portray?
EXPLAIN: Today, you’re going to get a chance to write your own 9/11 speech.
EXPLORE
INSTRUCT:
- Choose from one of the following topics:
- The immediate aftermath of 9/11
- Serving in honor of 9/11
- A 9/11 Story you want to tell
- Write down the major points of what you want to say.
- Write down how you want people to feel during and after your speech.
- Using your points and feelings as a guide, write the speech.
EXPLAIN: Most world leaders have help in writing their speeches. Today, you’re going to help each other with the speeches you’ve written.
INSTRUCT:
- Turn to a partner.
- Give your speech.
- Have a discussion with your partner about your speech and consider these questions:
- What are the best parts of the speech? What about places to make it better?
- How did the speech make your partner feel? Does that line up with what your goal was?
- How can you work together to strengthen the speech?
- Repeat the process, switching roles.
CONNECT
DISCUSS: How can a good speech help people in a difficult time?