New free resources for students in grades K–12 include six service project ideas, three lesson plans, and tips for teachers and families on talking to children about the 9/11 Day Observance and the importance of "remembering by doing." Additionally, tips on talking to children about 9/11, project ideas and new supplemental curriculum materials were provided by the National September 11 Memorial & Museum, generationOn, the youth activation division of Points of Light Institute, and 4Action Initiative. Teachers are invited to post their classroom's 9/11 tribute and share photos, videos, and plans at http://www.scholastic.com/911day. 911day.org also features links to resources from The September 11th Education Trust, Learn and Serve Clearinghouse, and Youth Service America.

"Teaching children about 9/11 can be a complex task on many levels, and we wanted to provide educators with helpful toolkits and resources that facilitated a constructive discussion and provided avenues for students to join in the national movement to pay tribute through good deeds and charitable service," said David Paine, president and cofounder of MyGoodDeed, which created the 9/11 Day of Service and Remembrance in 2002. "Future generations need to learn about what happened on 9/11, but they also need to understand what happened on 9/12, how the entire nation came together in response to the attacks."

In 2009 when MyGoodDeed and Scholastic, the global children's publishing, education, and media company, first launched this educational resource, thousands of teachers downloaded materials and implemented plans. In anticipation of the 10-year anniversary of 9/11, more than one million educators nationwide will be contacted and invited to access the free resources to help them with their lessons and project planning in tribute to 9/11.

"We know teachers are looking to create a meaningful teaching moment around 9/11 for their students," said Ann Amstutz Hayes of Scholastic.  "We hope these resources will serve as useful tools for teachers and parents to help them engage in meaningful conversations and purposeful community activities with their children on the 10th anniversary of 9/11."

"Talking to children about September 11th is crucial; it not only gives them an understanding of one of the most difficult times in our history but allows adults to share in this experience. An important part of the lesson of 9/11 is to honor those who lost their lives and those who volunteered to help. Students will appreciate this day and understand that even in the face of such pain and sadness, people responded with courage, selflessness, and service to others, inspiring them to take action and give service," said Dr. Donna Gaffney, adviser for education and research, Project Rebirth and co-founder, 4 Action Initiative Curriculum.