Patriot Day is the perfect opportunity to teach students about September 11th, recognizing the courage, compassion, and resilience shown by people in the face of tragedy and remembering those who were affected. These Patriot Day activities for kids are especially popular in September, but many can also be used throughout the school year to support lessons on history, community, kindness, and heroes. Whether you are looking for a hands-on craft, a thoughtful writing lesson, or meaningful read aloud, you’ll find what you are looking for below. All of the resources help students learn, reflect, and connect with Patriot Day in an age-appropriate way. Check out all of the Patriot Day activities for kids below!
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17 Patriot Day Activities for Kids
Below are our favorite Patriot Day activities for elementary students.
1. 9/11 Craft and Writing Activity
This September 11th Writing and Craft Activity is a great way to commemorate Patriot Day through writing and crafting. Students’ final work looks great displayed on a classroom bulletin board or hallway display. It’s a thoughtful way to recognize Patriot Day, while also practicing writing skills and recognizing what it means to be brave. Learn more about this 9/11 resource below!
2. Hero Writing Activities
Help students recognize the courage and kindness of everyday heroes with this September 11th Writing Activity. It provides age-appropriate writing prompts that engage 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 5th grade students in reflecting on what makes someone a hero and how people can make a difference in the lives of others. Learn more about this 9/11 resource below!
3. Letters to Heroes Activity
Invite your elementary students to express sincere gratitude with this September 11th Hero Writing Activity. Students write letters to heroes, giving them the opportunity to show their appreciation. Learn more below!
4. Patriot Day Flip Book
Are you looking for meaningful Patriot Day activities that combine social studies, reading, and writing? This September 11th activity is a complete package: a hands-on 9/11 craft, engaging Patriot Day reading comprehension passages, and structured writing prompts all in one. Learn more about this Patriot Day resource below!
5. The Man in the Red Bandana Activities
Learn about a true American hero in this The Man in the Red Bandana resource. It includes a reading passage, reading comprehension activity, writing activities, and more. It was designed for 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 5th grade students. Learn more about it below!
6. Patriot Day Word Search
This Patriot Day Word Search Activity is a fun way for students to celebrate Patriot Day while reinforcing spelling, vocabulary, reading, visual scanning, problem solving, and critical thinking skills. Learn more about it below!
7. September 11th Writing Pages
The September 11th Writing Pages can be used with any 9/11 writing prompt of your choosing. Mount the final writing pieces on construction and post them on your classroom bulletin board for a meaningful September display. Learn more about this 9/11 resource below!
8. Welles Crowther Biography Brochure Project
Help students learn more about Welles Crowther, an American hero, through this engaging Welles Crowther Biography Brochure Project. Students research and organize important information about his life and legacy and show their learning by creating a brochure activity. Learn more below!
9. September 11th Acrostic Poems
The September 11th Acrostic Poem Activities are a great September writing activity for exploring themes such as remembrance, patriotism, and unity. Students use the letters in a selected word or phrase to create a poem, or they generate their own. Learn more below!
10. September 11th Bookmarks
These September 11th Bookmarks are a simple way to recognize September 11th in your classroom. Students color, cut out, and use the bookmarks, making them a simple coloring activity and a useful reading tool. Learn more about this 9/11 resource below!
11. September 11th Non-Fiction Reading Unit
This September 11th Nonfiction Reading Unit includes 3 leveled reading passages, vocabulary cards, reading and writing activities, and more. It pairs really nicely with our fictional book companions showcased below.
12. September 11th Book Companion Bundle
This September 11th Book Companion Bundle includes all 5 of our Starts With a Story Patriot Day picture book companions: Fireboat, 14 Cows for America, This Very Tree, The Man Who Walked Between the Towers and 30,000 Stitches. Each includes printable and digital resources, so they can be used in school or at home. Learn more about this resource in our Clutter-Free Classroom Teacher Store!
13. 14 Cows for America Book Companion
14 Cows for America is based on a true story, where Maasai villagers in Kenya offer a gesture of compassion by gifting 14 cows to express their solidarity and support for the United States after the 9/11 tragedy. This 14 Cows for America Book Companion includes reading comprehension questions, writing prompts, SEL lesson ideas, student activities, and much more. Learn more about this resource in our Clutter-Free Classroom Teacher Store!
14. Fireboat Book Companion
Fireboat chronicles the true story of the fireboat John J. Harvey and its heroic role in the aftermath of the September 11th attacks. This Fireboat Book Companion includes reading comprehension questions, writing prompts, SEL lesson ideas, student activities, and much more. Learn more about this resource in our Clutter-Free Classroom Teacher Store!
15. The Man Who Walked Between the Towers Book Companion
The Man Who Walked Between the Towers tells the true story of Philippe Petit, a tightrope walker who daringly walked between the Twin Towers of the World Trade Center. This The Man Who Walked Between the Towers Book Companion includes reading comprehension questions, writing prompts, SEL lesson ideas, student activities, and much more. Learn more about this resource in our Clutter-Free Classroom Teacher Store!
16. 30,000 Stitches Book Companion
Shining a light on the true spirit and resilience of the United States, 30,000 Stitches follows the story of the tattered American flag that flew over Ground Zero and then criss-crossed the country as it was repaired, visiting communities facing adversity. This 30,000 Stitches Book Companion includes reading comprehension questions, writing prompts, SEL lesson ideas, student activities, and much more. Learn more about this resource in our Clutter-Free Classroom Teacher Store!
17. This Very Tree Book Companion
This Very Tree by Sean Rubin is a deeply moving story about community and resilience, from the point-of-view of the Callery pear tree that survived the attacks on September 11. This This Very Tree Book Companion includes reading comprehension questions, writing prompts, SEL lesson ideas, student activities, and much more. Learn more about this resource in our Clutter-Free Classroom Teacher Store!
18. Patriot Day Templates
These Patriot Day templates are versatile resources that can be used in a variety of ways in the classroom: writing activities, crafts, and coloring pages. Learn more about these Patriot Day shape templates below!
Check Out All of the Patriot Day Activities
Check out all of our Patriot Day activities below!
In closing, we hope you found this list of Patriot Day activities for kids helpful! If you did, then you may also be interested in these other related posts:
