Teaching Young Hoosiers About 9/11 Difficult, Necessary

INDIANAPOLIS -- Parents and educators are trying to come to grips with how to teach children about the events of Sept. 11, 2001 five years after that dark day.

A special ceremony at Ernie Pyle Elementary Indianapolis Public School No. 90 on Monday was used as a teaching tool to remember and learn about the tragic day that changed the nation, 6News' Julie Pursley reported.

---

Indiana Children Learn About 9/11

---

Students from kindergarten through sixth grade gathered around a flagpole to pay tribute as a commercial jet raced overhead, a chilling reminder for the adults in the crowd.

"It gives you shivers. It kind of brings the whole thing home as to why we're here and what we're thinking about -- to remember those who lost their lives and those who do protect us at this time," said Greg McDermott, School No. 90's principal.

McDermott said the observance was about explaining the world to children. Most of them are too young to remember what happened five years ago, but they recall images they have seen recently on television.

"I saw what happened on the news last night, when the airplanes crashed into the buildings," said first-grader Marisol Hooten.

First-grader Christina Strong said she wanted to wear a flag headband to show her support, something she had learned from her parents.

"It's a very special day and patriotic day," Christina said.

Christina's mother, Theresa Strong, said she appreciated the lessons that were taught Monday.

"How hard it is to explain that to a child? Very, as long as you explain it to them on their level and let them know they are loved," Strong said.

McDermott said Sept. 11 has also been incorporated into students' history lessons.