EVERYDAY CHANGE MAKERS: Grades K-2 Teacher Guide

Lesson overview

After September 11, 2001, people across the country found ways to help one another. Some were firefighters and police officers. Others were neighbors, teachers, students, and community members who offered support in different ways.

This lesson introduces young learners to the idea that helping others doesn’t require special skills or extraordinary circumstances. Through a brief discussion and a drawing activity, students identify everyday opportunities to show kindness, offer support, and make a positive difference.

1. 1

   Step 1 5 minutes Read aloud

   Teacher Introduction

   Read aloud:

   On September 11, 2001, something very sad happened in our country. People were hurt, and many families and communities needed help.

   Firefighters, police officers, and other emergency workers helped people who were in danger. But they weren’t the only ones who helped.

   Neighbors checked on neighbors. People brought food and supplies to those who needed them. Families and communities found ways to care for one another.

   Some people helped in big ways. Others helped in small ways. All of them showed us something important: when we notice that someone needs help, we can choose to do something kind.

   We don’t have to be grown-ups or have special training to make a difference. Even young people can help others.

   Today, we’re going to think about ways we can be everyday change makers in our own classroom, school, and community.

2. 2

   Step 2 5 minutes Discussion

   Let’s Talk About It

   Ask students:

   1. Why did people help one another after September 11?

      Suggested response

      People were hurt, scared, or sad. They needed support. Helping showed that others cared.

   2. What are some ways people can help someone who is having a hard day?

      Suggested response

      Ask if they’re okay, invite them to play, help pick something up, tell a trusted adult when someone needs assistance.

   3. Do you have to be a grown-up to help someone?

      Suggested response

      No! Children can help in many ways, too.

   Teacher note

   Encourage students to recognize that helping can mean offering kindness, including someone, or asking a trusted adult for assistance. Children should not feel responsible for solving problems beyond their abilities.

3. 3

   Step 3 10–15 minutes Activity

   Classroom Activity: I Can Help!

   • Distribute the student handout.
   • Ask students to think about a time when someone at school might need help. Examples include:
     • A classmate drops their crayons.
     • Someone is sitting alone during recess.
     • A friend is having trouble with a classroom activity.
     • Someone looks sad or upset.

   Instructions:

   • Ask students to choose one situation where they could help someone.
   • Have them draw a picture showing what they could do.
   • Invite students who are comfortable writing to complete the sentence beneath their drawing.
   • Allow students to share their pictures with a partner or the class.

   Teacher note

   Students may draw, write, or explain their ideas verbally, depending on their abilities.

4. 4

   Step 4 5 minutes Wrap-up

   Wrap-Up: Small Actions Matter

   Ask students:

   1. What’s one kind thing you could do for someone this week?

   2. Invite two or three students to share their answers.

5. 5

   Step 5 Read aloud

   Closing Takeaway — Read Aloud

   After September 11, people helped one another in many different ways. They showed us that even when something difficult happens, people can make a difference by caring for others.

   We can do that, too. Every time we notice someone who needs help and choose to be kind, we’re being everyday change makers.

6. 6

   Step 6 10 minutes Optional

   Optional Extension: Our Classroom Helps

   • Create a classroom list titled Ways We Can Help.
   • Invite students to suggest small acts of kindness they can practice at school.
   • Write their ideas on the board or a large sheet of paper.
   • Encourage students to try one of the ideas during the week.

· https://staging.the911legacy.org/curriculum/classroom/everyday-change-makers-k-2/