Veterans Day

I wanted to take some time today to think about Veterans Day.  It's very fitting to me, that Veterans Day and Thanksgiving Day fall in the same month.  I am so grateful for those men and women that have fought for this country.  Thank you for all that you've done for this country and all of us.

I'm not going to forget to share our history and the gratitude I feel for our veterans with the young people in my life.  Here are a few things that I thought were important to share.

I've been researching mentor texts to share with my class this Veterans Day and came across this one.
If you're looking for something to read to your classroom or your children, this is a serious, touching and beautifully told story about the Vietnam Memorial written by Eve Bunting.  It's called "The Wall" and tells the story of a young boy that visits the wall with his father.  They're looking for his grandfather's name on the shiny black memorial.  The illustrations are done by Ronald Himler.  It was published in 2002 and I can't believe I haven't read it before!

Ideas for Lesson Plans for "The Wall"
Teacher Tube Video
Here are some lesson plans and videos to accompany the reading of this text.    

I also found and wanted to share this FREE offering from an informative, creative and well-organized website called the Clutter-Free Classroom.

I also want to thank those men and women with learning differences that have fought for and protected this land. They have done and accomplished much in spite of .... or maybe because of their unique learning differences

Some of our more prominent American military leaders had attention deficit disorder and/or learning disabilities, yet persevered to accomplish great things. General Westmoreland served as the U.S. Superintendent of West Point, the commander of the U.S. military advisors in South Vietnam, and the Army’s Chief of Staff. President John F. Kennedy served as a Lieutenant in the U.S. Navy, a U.S. Congressman, a U.S. Senator, and the 35th President of the United States.  (quote taken from education.com)
Enjoy, Remember and be Grateful!