Educators Teach 9/11 History To Young Students

Many remember where they were when planes hit the twin towers on Sept. 11, 2001.

It is now 20 years since the tragedy.

While most adults can’t forget that day, there’s a new generation that will only learn about it in schools. 

Oklahoma City and New York City share a common tragedy, and that history is still alive in the minds of the people who were there when it happened. 

For children and teens, it’s up to teachers to tell the story. 

Decades after the terrorist attacks, teachers like Edmond Public Schools’ history teacher Dalton Savage connect young students to the events that changed their world. 

“It’s really interesting to have students, asking them, what do we know prior to Sept. 11, and it’s really what they hear from their parents,” Savage said. 

He has his students interview family members about how 9/11 impacted them. 

Dalton said his students don’t tend to know as many details about the American Airlines flight that crashed into the Pentagon or United Flight 93 that crashed into a Pennsylvania field after the passengers on board fought off their attackers. 

“Living in Oklahoma, we’ve experienced a lot of tragedy, and I like to have them thinking about their own local communities and how do we respond in times of tragedy. What can we learn, and how can we move forward as a people together,” he said. 

At the Oklahoma City National Memorial, educators turn tragedy into hope. 

“We hope people learn that there is more good in this world than evil, and that people come together in times of crisis,” said Lynne Porter, director of educational experience. 

She said their exhibits tell personal stories to help visitors connect with what they’re learning. 

“We hope that people see the senselessness of violence to affect change, and that there are other peaceful ways to create change,” Porter said.