A Wrap-up Summary of the 2009 Chicago American History Teacher’s “Fieldtrip”

OK all you “Blog Stockers” here it is that time again. Time for the KING to write his final wrap up-reflection Chicago blog. I know you have been very patient, some of you waiting a whole year just to hear what a final King Hutch aka John H. blog would reveal. So here we go, no more waiting, no more crying yourselves to sleep waiting for a blog from me. It’s time, just the “meat and potatoes” down to earth important stuff. Are you ready for the juicy travel log of Chicago. Good, now straight from the mouth, (uh, I mean the brain of King Hutch) comes the world class reflection of a trip that really exceeded my expectations! 

 

OK, so I have never shied away from controversy so here goes. The trip just WAS NOT long enough! Can we PLEASE-PLEASE-PLEASE go back to 2 weeks (or longer for that matter)? It is hard to explore an area, to really learn in depth about the history of an area in 10 days. Now don’t get me wrong. I/we learned an incredible amount of “stuff”, about the history in and around Chicago. But think of how much more we could have learned if we had a measly 4 more days!

But this trip was amazing! It was upbeat, educational, exciting, stimulating, and just plain fun! There were many teachers who did not apply for this Chicago trip because it was not “Glamorous” enough for them. Well I have one thing to say to these teachers, you blew it! This was a great trip. Like past trips there were a few problems, but I believe that the overall group dynamics were the best yet of all three trips. The museums we visited are as good or better then any we visited from Boston or Philadelphia! We had wonderful speakers that brought so much to my understanding of teaching history. As I write this I realize that the reason I am so satisfied with the trip is because it turned out to be so very well rounded. There were not these great swings from high to low, just a steady stream of good , positive information.

Best & Most Useful Museum!!!

There was one place on this trip that sticks out in my mind as definently impacting my teaching. It was also the same place that gave us the most impressive and informative presentations. This was at the Chicago History Museum. I was just blown away with the information and the ideas that rushed into my head as these speakers (yes there were more than one great speaker here) divulged  such useful information! The first bit of great information was the “Bucket” idea.  Students like to recite facts and narratives but have lots of trouble with planning, defining, organizing, as well as actually writing their papers. I believe that most teachers feel the same way when we read their papers.  So the question becomes how can we help students learn to write a structurally correct paragraph, that historical “facts” and a historical “argument” are two different things. Then Chip Brady presented us with “buckets.” This DBQ (Data Based Questions) idea of buckets is fantastic and will definitely impact the way I teach and I’m sure how my students write! I plan on using the “bucket” idea at the start of every year. I will begin by providing the students with names (categories for grouping facts) for each bucket. As I always do, I will scaffold my instruction as I teach them how to write a proper paragraph and eventually a paper. As the year goes on I will begin pulling the names away from the buckets and help them learn to identify major themes to collect facts within. Then using  DBQ’s, my students will explore historical primary sources and artifacts using inquisitive investigative methods. The goal will be for my students to find their own arguments, classify and organize data, primary documents, and thoughts into clear and structured paragraphs and papers. This whole change or shift in my thinking about how to properly teach historical writing was a direct result of our time at the Chicago History Museum!

Dr. Sarah Marcus did a great job in explaining the theme: “Why Chicago right here and right now? ” She engaged us in a lively presentation that explored the impact of transportation networks, ( river, lake, and railroads), speculators (buying land for profit, government investments, and infrastructure), forests for growth, rapid industrialization, labor, and booming population to meet the growing needs. She taught us about Chicago by telling us the story of Chicago. I love this style of teaching! It puts the audience at ease and allows them to soak up the information because it is fun and interesting, not a boring trivia filled encyclopedia memorization exercise!  I had no idea that there could possibly be a “2nd Continental Divide,” through Chicago or the real facts about and behind the Great Chicago Fire. She brought so much depth and detail to the fire that I had never heard before. As she spoke I kept getting new ideas (some from the information and some from how she presented it) of how I can be a better teacher. We were introduced to several new activities ( “Historical Heads” activity and the “Reading-Artifacts” worksheet) that I will definitely use this year.  But the greatest asset I received at the museum was the introduction to the fabulous website at www.chicagohistory.org. This site is incredible! It has great sections such as : The Chicago Stories link which is perfect for teaching my historical novels, Unit and lesson plans which are great andveryeasy to find, extension lessons, and a “Fun and Games” page that has teacher down-loadable copies as well as on-line games for the kids. I plan on incorporating this site early and often next year as I develop my new curriculum for Elective American History units.       

As you can see, I got so much out of this one museum, but there was so much more to this trip! There was such a great variety in activities. We literally experienced everything from Lincoln to the progressive era. I really enjoyed the Lincoln Museum in Springfield. I have studied Lincoln for years and still came away with a new understanding and appreciation for what he did. Erin Bishop did a very nice job presenting information and engaging lessons that I can use in my classes. I especially liked the  “student created one word poems” and writing mock “group textbook paragraphs.” The museum was great. It held just about everything related to Lincoln if that is possible. Some didn’t like the two Lincoln movies, but thinking from the point of view of middle school aged kids these movies were incredible! We watched and then I purchased a 4 minute Civil War video that chronologically shows the number of casualties and territory gains from both the north and the south on a daily basis. Talk about making a lasting impression on young kids, this video is a must! We had the opportunity to explore Lincoln’s home from Springfield before he was president and also see his law offices. I also liked the Art Institute of Chicago. I feel like I can begin to use more art in my lessons after seeing the art from ancient times through to the modern world. Wow, I never realized how many styles of art the world has until walking this exhibit! We took a trip to Madison Wisconsin where we learned in awe and jealously about the manner in which the Wisconsin Historical Society works closely with school districts to create useful lessons and resources. Finally we toured all over Chicago with Dr. Adelman; everywhere from the Haymarket Square, the site of the Stockyards, and the town of Pullman. Just a great and incredible amount of learning, tours, hands on activities, and general overall fun!

Jonathan, Matt, and Scott did a great job of coordinating and planning this trip. It has to be a difficult proposition to plan a trip of this magnitude and pull it off with such ease. This was my3rd Teaching American History trip, ( Boston 2007 & Philadelphia 2008) and this trip was as good as any! The dorms we stayed at were very nice and easy to get around from. The Hilton in Springfield was such a nice and classy touch! The plane ride was very quick and efficient. We enjoyed a great bus driver who got us around with ease. The museums, guides, lecturers, and overall the people of Chicago were just very nice to all of us Colorado Teachers.  Thanks so much Jonathan, Matt, & Scott for all your hard work. Because of you, there are a whole lots of better History Teachers in Colorado which can only help the school students in Southern Colorado! Again, my hat is off to you guys, “JOB: WELL DONE!”

Sincerely,

John Hutchins aka John H aka The King aka King Hutch aka Hutch aka Mr Clean aka Lex Luther aka Sunshine 🙂

***CHICAGO LESSON PLAN***

I am doing Immigration in Chicago as my lesson plan. The Unit component will be a series of 3 lesson on immigration to the United States. One lesson will be immigration into & through New York. Another lesson will be immigration into and through San Francisco. But the lesson developed from information, resources, and inspiration recieved  on the Chicago History Trip-2009.

Last day of our Chicago Adventure, not sure if I’m happy or sad?

  

 OK, here it is, the last day of our fantastically fun and extremely fast trip to Chicago! I don’t know if I’m happy for the experience and getting back to my own bed soon or sad to see the trip end? It rained this morning and made our bus tour a bit challenging but like the troopers we are we splashed through it! Will I miss the rain? Actually yes because it is a part of the experiences we had and those are things I will never give away!!!!!   

 

The Haymarket Square:

I have to say that I have been looking forward to today and connecting places with the events we read about in class. So early in the morning we boarded the bus and drove to where the Haymarket Square Massacre took place.

“This was the spot that the bloody Haymarket riot of May 4, 1886 took place. This “Riot/Massacre” changed American labor history forever. Radicals, reformers, union activists, and even foreign born Americans were blamed. The Haymarket incident showcased police brutality, injustice, and prejudice that infested Chicago during the 1880’s. Even though the person responsible for throwing the bomb was never identified, labor leaders August Spies and Albert Parsons, along with six more “anarchists” were convicted of murder. Four of them were hung in 1887 while another committed suicide. The Knights of Labor which was America’s largest and most active union received the blame for the riot. This led to a decline in labor as many workers joined less radical unions or quit the movement altogether.

The Haymarket Massacre Statue didn’t have any faces. The missing faces represented the different ethnicity of the workers. They were posed rebuilding a wagon that stands for Free Speech. We got back into the bus and drove to the courthouse (NOT THE ORIGINAL) for a presentation by our speaker Dr. Adelman. Then off to to the graveyard where many of the labor leaders are buried. Several members of our group laid red roses on the statue and graves in honor of their sacrifices. I was now hungry since I didn’t have time for breakfast so happily we headed to lunch at a Lithuanian restaurant.

The food? Well it was good, at least it tasted good. I should have wondered when they wouldn’t tell us what was in the cabbage rolls. By the end of the night, lets just say it didn’t agree with me. It’s not food poisoning, it’s not just an upset stomach. I like to think of it as being: LITHUANIANED! But the people were so very nice!   

After lunch it was back in the bus and off to what is left of the stock yards. This was important to me since reading THE JUNGLE getting prepared for this trip. The stockyards are not there anymore, just the gate and a STEAK COMPANY.

WE made our way to the Pullman Museum and to the Florence Hotel. This hotel is under refurbishment but there were awesome artifacts on display. As I walked around the rooms I found the motivation for my lesson plan. I am going to do a lesson on immigration in Chicago. I saw a “Great Migration” quilt which was very cool. Looking at it gave me an idea for my assessment. Stay tuned and see what idea I came up with!

Next we walked to the Pullman factories. A fire of 1998 destroyed much of the factory but some was still accessible for a private tour that we “special” teachers got. It was very educational and we found out that they would really like to make it a working “living history” town like Lowell Mass. . It all depends on getting the funding and teachers understand that challenge. The day was winding down and we took a mini tour on our way back downtown to Chicago. The good news though was that the rain had stopped, the sun was shining, and we still had one more night in the “WINDY CITY.” 

So what to do on our last night in Chicago? I’m sure I felt the same way as everybody, lets blog; NOT!!!!! Can’t waste my last night in a boring, stuffy dorm room! This is Chicago, the WINDY CITY, THE SECOND CITY!!!!! So the a new “POSSE-2009” went out for adventure! Off to the Sears Tower, first in a series of unfulfilled desires in my heart! We went to the Sears Tower earlier in the trip but didn’t go up. So Wendy and Ann (who already visited the “almost top” floor) waited for us as David, Bridgeman, and I took a 55 second trip to the 103 floor(floors 104-110 were closed for maintenance). My ears popped 3 times going up. Then the doors opened and wham, what a spectacular view! From all sides we could see miles around us. It was just absolutely great! Then off in a taxi (we were so much fun that the cabbie wanted park his cab & go with us) to Navy Pier. Have you ever tried to pile5 adults in a taxi, kinda tight! But we got there OK and enjoyed a great night of food, fun, and entertainment. Eventually Jed “The Hunter”, Linsey, Melissa, Chris, and Amy joined us at Billy Goats Tavern on the pier. It was a night of Ferris Wheel riding, reminiscing, and fireworks galore!! Everyone had a great time but the night was not over, at least for some of us!

When we left the pier we caught a ride on a free trolley until we somehow parted company with some of the “traveling troupe of entertainment from Colorado.” Four of us wanted to do a social experiment in the nightlife of downtown Chicago so we stopped by a downtown “club” for an “educational” hands on experiment. During this cultural activity we somehow became seperated and I was virtually abandoned by all but one true friend. So as part of this social, cultural, educational experiment we (my true friend who didn’t ditch me) began the long walk home and somehow, now hold on to your hats all you Boston Trip people, I got us lost. We (Melissa & I) zigged and we zagged and zigged again up and down the Chicago streets. Under the L then turn and under the L again and somehow I took us under the L again. Come on KING HUTCH, what was up with that? We went through Greek town, Little India, Chinatown, heck, I think we somehow even found Harlem. LOL Revelation struck when the Sears Towel was “walking” away in the wrong direction, huh/duh???  Some “punk” even jumped out at us and wanted the girl but our hero “THE KING” wouldn’t hear of that and saved the pretty princess! Finally our hero asked someone who sent us 9 blocks in the correct direction. We arrived from our “social experiment” at our destination (hotel) at 4:30am, just in time for a 8:00am departure. So there it is all you rumor mill people, the truth, at least as I remember it. JJ/LOL/LMAO/ & MUAH!!!!!

Obama-Man

In honor of our trip to Chicago we present:

We The People Stimulus Package:

Chicago/Immigration & Labor History

http://www.scribd.com/doc/11483563/Industrialism-Urbanization-And-Immigration-Timeline#page=16

 

MEANING OF LIFE

LIFE TODAY

Madison for a Day, but 6 AM???

Knowing that I was getting up early I began my blog for today yesterday. It began like this:

 Nothing historically important or significant happened today. “That is all.”

 But since I enjoyed the day and learned a bunch, just like every day on this trip, I decided to add a bit more:

 

June 12, 2009, a 3 hour trip to Madison Wisconsin is in store for us, start time 6:00 am. That’s “wheels up” on the bus headed out of town, 6:00 am! I had a wake up call so that I would not be late. So imagine my surprise that Howard snagged my seat! Howard, the always late because he’s on his own schedule Howard! Guess that’s what happens to us “lollygaggers. “ But all’s well in love and war and seats on the History 591 travel bus.

 

We arrived 20 minutes early even with my requested 20 minute coffee stop, things are looking good. Our historically significant day began Wisconsin History Museum. After a quick presentation covering education materials and methods being used successfully in Wisconsin, we toured the museum starting on the 4^th floor. The exhibits were great and many were geared towards younger school aged kids. I would love the ability to take my students to a museum of this quality. When I finished exploring every foot of the museum, I went across the street to the Veterans Museum. This museum, as the name implies, is focused on the United States military and its veterans. My little side trip was fantastic and I picked up several useful teaching aids including a DVD focused on military trains for the Civil War through the Gulf War. The contributions of Wisconsin are also examined in the video.

 

At lunch we had the pleasure of dinning together at the Great Dane Pub. The meal was great and the company even better! Then off to the Wisconsin Historical Society located at the University of Wisconsin. We were treated to 3 separate and distinct lectures. Our first speaker talked about immigration and who it has impacted America. A second speaker spent time covering primary source documents. Although Colorado was discussed the focus was mainly on Wisconsin. We were then given the opportunity to look at, work with, and explore several primary source documents that our speaker made available to us. Finally our final speaker talked about the progressive movement. He was a very gifted lecturer and kept the audience’s attention despite ungodly heat in the stuffy room. I liked just about every point he brought out. But why is this are so important? The progressive movement was intended to solve society’s problems. It was intended to put a reason with the problems of the day and not just attribute them to God and living a bad life. It was intended to solve the problems with urbanization, immigration, and injustice for the oppressed (especially women), In general it was anticipated that the Progressive Movement would end the problem facing society by helping bring about a new and better society. So if the whole point of the Progressive Movement was to bring about this change, why do we still have some many problems with urbanization, immigration, and injustice for the oppressed?  I am also less that convinced of his final point that even though the men running for office in the early 1900’s generally lost, these same men would be back as the key advisors to the Franklin D. Roosevelt presidency and the New Deal. Now correct me if you must but wasn’t the New Deal a patchwork of quickly passed programs bullied through by a new president and a weak and scared congress. Didn’t the 1^st New Deal swing left and right, sometimes changing directions in mainstream depending on the political winds, in a blatant attempt to maintain FDR’s power? If these progressive men came to power with FDR they must have had principles and beliefs about social change built up from all their years in the movement. I admit that many former progressive men worked in the FDR administration. But how can anyone explain away the fact that FDR veered course so many times if these men still cared about the progressive ideals and if they really were the power behind FDR’s administration.   

 

We had dinner at The Union Terrace at the University of Wisconsin University. It was nice and the bus trip back to Chicago is long. But it has allowed me to write this blog so I will stay caught up with my work.

Good Morning Chicago (6/11/09) & You Colorado History Teachers!!!

“Good Morning Chicago. The time is 6:45 and it’s a windy, rainy, chilly day. Make sure to bring your umbrella and rain jacket if you are going to be outside today. Have a great day!”

 

These were the words that I woke to coming from my clock radio. Oh boy, how about that, cold and rainy weather. And our agenda is to first visit the Jane Addams’ Hull House which includes some outdoor activities and take the Chicago Architecture Foundation Boat Cruise in the afternoon. Can you imagine the trill I’m having as I rush through my shower? All I could think of was hurry so the bus doesn’t leave without you, why does it have to be cold and rainy on today, and boy I sure am tired; I wonder how everyone is getting their blogs done. So I rushed down to the bus only to find out that my roomies told me the wrong time & I still have 20 minutes to spare. Good one guys, you really got me good this time!   

 

What can I say about Jane Addams’ Hull House? The speaker, Lisa Junkin was incredible! She led us on a detailed guided tour of the house and spent 15-20 minutes in each of 3 rooms, all without notes or losing our attention. Now this is quite a feat especially since this tired and dragging group of teachers was forced to rise so early in the morning. She gave a thorough background of Hull House along with Jane Addams, Ellen Gates Starr the Hull House co-founder, as well as Mary Rozet Smith her lifetime “companion”. I really didn’t know that much about Addams or settlement houses in general so much of the today was an eye opener. For instance, I learned Social settlements began in the late 1800’s in Europe (London?) because of problems in society created by urbanization, industrialization, and immigration and the idea eventually spread to the United States. These houses tended to attract educated, both middle & upper class women (and men) that “settled” in poor urban neighborhoods. By 1911, Chicago had 35 of these house of which the Hull House, located in the 19^th ward full of poor immigrants was one.

 

The people at Hull-House formed a notable group that pushed for reforms such as Immigrants’ Protective League and the Juvenile Protective Association. Because of their efforts, the Illinois enacted protective legislation for women and children in 1893. Some people loved Addams, but others thought she was the “most dangerous woman in America.” The FBI even had Ms. Addams on a watch list that produced very boring “non-dirt” entries. She was an author & wrote 11 books related to Hull-House activities. She spoke nationally & took a key role in many organizations. Along with founding the Chicago Federation of Settlements in 1894, she also helped establish the National Federation of Settlements and Neighborhood Centers. She was the first woman president of the National Conference of Charities and Corrections as well as countless other organizations. She became involved in the peace movement and in 1915 participated in the International Congress of Women at The Hague which tried to stop WWI. She was a pacifist & remained that way even after the United States entered the war in 1917. Because of her work for humanity she was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1931. She died in 1935 yet her mission of helping  

I enjoyed listening to the ideas about “Urban Gardening” and Heirloom Seeds” and how Hull House is using them within its own work. The dinner was interesting. I loved the Mushroom Soup, didn’t really care for that tiny salad, enjoyed the Thumbprint Cookie, and MISSED THE MEAT!!!!!  

The second half of our day was interesting to say the least! How exciting this should have been! I have been looking forward to the Architecture Boat Cruise all week! I even had a buddy of mine e-mail & call me to tell me how great this “Cruise” was. But the rain, it just has to go, no excuses, just leave Chicago!! It was still lots of fun seeing all the different types of architecture and when they were constructed. And my “hats off” to our tour guide. She was one of 75 guides that work the cruise and she knew every name of each building, who designed it, who built it, and any historical facts associated with it! To stand up on top of the boat in that terrible weather for 1 ½ hours went above and beyond the call of duty in my book. And the real amazing thing was she did it all without notes!

For dinner we (DREW, RADER, TRI-POD, & THE KING) set out for the Navy Pier. But we went over the street we wanted to turn on and overshot our turn by a few blocks. We made a tactical decision to change course and correct the navigational direction. But as we walked 2 blocks in the direction of the Navy Pier, RADER picked up on a possible new target. It was Mike Ditka’s Restaurant. The leaders consulted over this new intelligence and made a strategic decision to reacquire a new target, heading DITKAS!!! Now I regret not bring the camera but we were headed for the Navy Pier & I have tons of those photos. The food was somewhat expensive but really worth it. I had a big, fat, juicy steak to make up for today’s meatless lunch!

Architucture, Industry, & a Ballgame

Me and my girlfriends!

Yes here I am, my picture gracing (some might say staring) in my own blog again. And why? Because it’s ok with me. You know, there was once a famous book called I’m OK, You’re Ok. Apparently that has become my theme for these trips.  🙂

Today was another busy, yet engaging and useful day. We began with a tour of the Frank Lloyd Wright House and Studio as well as a walking tour of the Oak Park neighborhood. Wright was an American architect who lived in Oak Park from 1889 – 1909. He is credited with designing at least 25 buildings as well as redesigning many more here. Along with the Wright designed buildings, there are many other architecturally noteworthy homes throughout this historic area ranging from Victorian to Prairie styles. One type of home that stood out with many of our group from Colorado was the number of adobe homes. It is obvious that there is a great and diverse mixture of cultures, races, ethnicities, professions, lifestyles, religions, and income levels in Oak Park.

 

Next we headed for the Museum of Science and Industry. This museum is located in the Palace of Fine Arts building that was built in 1893 for the Columbian Exposition or World’s Fair. The building was constructed in a Greek Ionic style and consists of about 350,000 square feet of space.

 

The 1893 World’s Fair was meant as a 400 year celebration of Columbus’ 1492 discovery of America. In reality it became a reflection and celebration of American culture and society. It was for people to have fun, Americas to feel good about themselves and the country, and to make profit. It became a blueprint for life in a postmodern America. During its run, over 27 million people from around the world visited the 1893 World’s Fair. Many of the buildings were constructed in a Beauxart or mixture of classical Roman and Greek styles. As the fair worked to redefine America and its place in the world, it introduced Americans to brands, technology, and culture such as Juicy Fruit Gum, ragtime music, and Quaker Oats, electric lights, and the electric sewing machines.  

 

Today there are over 800 exhibits and interactive displays in the museum. I was drawn to the Pioneer Zephyr as we walked in through the doors. This is a restored 1934 stainless steel Burlington locomotive that people can walk into. Another interesting exhibit was the mechanized “Top” making factory. You pay for the product and watch the entire manufacture process. There was a very nice miniature train setup. I actually own a decent collection of older cast iron trains so of course I was drawn to this exhibit! There were exhibits on flight, inventing the future, and a U-505 captured sub.

 

After a quick visit to the souvenir shop we (group of 5) were surprised to discover that the Colorado Teacher group couldn’t wait for us to join them at a White Sox game. We showed up at 5:30 (the appointed time) only to watch as they piling into a van and left without us. OK, Scott did call me but still we showed up at the correct time and felt “dissed” by a large portion of our group. We did finally find the stadium, sat in the “nosebleed” section, and watch an entirely boring and cold game. Good Times…Good Times.

Chicago & go & go & go…….

OK, so how many of you would ever jump over a fence at the United Center just to take your picture with the Michael Jordan statue? Now how many of you would take a cab to the United Center at 11:30 pm to get your picture with a statue? Well that’s the adventure that “Kick Stand” (or is that Tri-Pod or Junior) & I enjoyed after failing to walk the 2 1/2 plus miles from our dorm room.  Well that was just the end of another remarkable day/evening/night in the life of King Hutch.

 The day began with my radio stating that even the meteorologists don’t understand the weather pattern hitting Chicago right now. They have been consistently wrong everyday with their weather predictions and today was no exception. It was wet and overcast, yet better than yesterday’s wet and below 70 chilly temperatures that surprised everyone! We again hit the coffee shop before making our way to the Redline (subway) for the trip to the Chicago History Museum. This day we were honored to listen to Chip of the DBQ Project. This project is really exciting if we can get our administers to buy the book(s). It starts with an overall lesson theme and question that students should eventually be able to answer using primary sources. It has different levels so that a teacher can differentiate the instruction depending on student ability. A teacher can pick parts of the unit or choose to complete the entire unit. Teachers can adjust the time they want/need to have students spend on every aspect of each unit. In other words, this DBQ Project is very teacher friendly!

 One of the biggest challenges we face as teachers is getting our students to master the ability to write proper historical papers. Students like to recite facts and narratives but have lots of trouble with planning, defining, organizing, as well as actually writing their papers. I have always used the Jonathan Rees statement that a paper is not worth writing if you can’t make a valid, understandable argument supported by at least 3 facts that support the argument for that topic! But kids always struggle with what is an argument or support. I loved the DBQ’s idea of buckets. I will begin using these buckets at the start of the new year. I will begin by providing the students with names for each bucket as teach them how to write a proper paragraph and eventually a paper. As the year goes on I will begin pulling the names away & teach them one at a time to identify facts and arguments. This is a method of scaffolding. The goal will be for my students to find their own arguments, classify and organize data, primary documents, and thoughts into clear and structured paragraphs and papers.

The afternoon was a bit disappointing. We walked a tour of the “Old Town” and saw countless buildings. I guess that I expected more clearly historical sites but most were historical only to someone who lives or comes from Chicago. The names of the people who lived in 90% of the buildings where “just names” to me. Although our guide was very knowledgeable, I really felt that my time could have been used much better than at the walking tour.    

 After dinner, we met with others in our group (14 total) at The Second City, a world famous comedy club. Many famous artists such as John Belushi and Dan Aykroyd got their start here. The anticipation was intense and the show didn’t disappoint! The show was great and everyone who went with us seemed to really enjoy themselves. After the show my sidekick, or was that “Kick Stand” or “Mini Tri-Pod” and I somehow got our pictures of MJ and here I am finishing this blog. What a day, what a week, and what an adventure!        

Adventure in the Windy City! :)

OK, anyone wanting the proper & educational & historically significant blog should go right now to the one I posted earlier this morning titled: Lesson Plan Ideas at the Chicago History Museum

OK, so I still have you. So you want to hear a story about Chicago. Well pull up a chair, pop some corn and grab a drink. OK, everybody ready? Well we began this adventure at lunch. We wanted to go see The Second City, a world famous comedy club and Chicago tradition. We got there and asked to buy a mug or shirt or something to remember being there. But NO… they don’t sell any souvenirs until an hour before the show or online. So I guess a few pictures would have to do!   

So we spent the rest of our afternoon at the Chicago History Museum. But after the museum closed a group of us, OK, just my roommates decided to go see Wrigley Field since we don’t have the opportunity to see them play while we’re here. Some “Real Genius” decided that we should save $2.50 and walk the “6 blocks) to the field. Well this turned out to be another adventure in the historical trips of everyone’s famous hero King Hutch aka John H..

It was a trip walking through nice then not so nice areas, the heat was sweltering, carrying bags of books, jackets, and trinkets, and overall miserably reaching for our goal. We realized well into this adventure that a mere 6 blocks didn’t exist in the same realm of math that we use in Pueblo! Maybe 66 blocks or 600 blocks or something like that! I’m not really sure of the distance, I quit counting after I passed out the fourth time from heat exhaustion.

Finally, just as my body was set to shut down I had a vision. The stores began to appear with Cubs flags and banners. I just knew it was a mirage in a desolate tract. Oh what should I do? Our hero was already carrying Tri-pod, Clark, & Rader on his back, what more could he do? Then just as all hope was lost, around the corner, over a street that seemed to stretch for feet, a building appeared before us! Was it, is it, could it be; yes we were there, our destination achieved: Wrigley Field!!!

We rushed in drinking up the atmosphere. Yes we made it. OK, so there was no game, but we were here. And what to our wandering amazement should appear but a rowdy crowd of Pueblo’s best hollering our names from a “Licensed Establishment.” We come all this way from Pueblo to Chicago; we walk this overbearing and deadly harsh trip and we run into some of our own. Is this a small world or what???

Yes, I do think thst’s “TEA” in my hand, but Mini Tri-pod, looks like the real stuff! After this reunion/break, we hopped the Red Line back the Jackson and headed to Hard Rock Cafe! Again a decent walk but its the only exercise I seem to be getting lately so it’s “All Good”.

Lesson Plan Ideas at the Chicago History Museum

OK, so I thought today would be a wasted day. I’m man enough to admit it! I thought “another day in a stuffy old room listening to a monotone “shirt” talking me to sleep. Come on, who can fault me? After the snoozer at the Lincoln Museum when the presenters goal was apparently to put everyone to sleep after lunch. But this was so…so different! I was hooked from the start with a fresh and upbeat discussion on Chicago.

The main theme of the morning presentation was why Chicago right here and right now? Our presenter, Sarah Marcus explained with an absolute confidence that Chicago developed because of  (please forgive this run-on sentence!) a great network of transportation (both river, lake, and railroads), speculators buying land for profit, government investments in the land and infrastructure, abundant forests for growth, rapid industrialization, the need for additional labor, and booming population to meet the growing needs.

As she developed the story of Chicago’s development for us, I was amazed at how much I didn’t know or had forgotten! I caught myself thinking “What, a second Continental Divide going through Chicago, where did that come from?”  I know that sounds silly to all you History Trivia Masters, but that is the exact thought going through my mind! I knew about the story of Mrs. O’Leary’s cow supposedly knocking over the lantern and starting the Great Chicago Fire, I mean what kid hasn’t learned that as fact! I knew a major cause of the extent of the damage was that Chicago was built with so much cheap lumber that it was like a tinderbox. But she brought so much depth and detail to the fire that I seemed clueless about it. I didn’t know that a watchman reported the wrong address, firefighters responded to the wrong address, the weather conditions and long drought helped rapidly spread the fire, and such intense heat caused limestone to crack and trees to explode. Wow, and this is only an hour into the day!!!

The entire presentation went like this! I jumped between shaking my head, scratching notes rapidly on the notepad, and yanking my jaw off the floor and back up into its proper place. At the same time I let thoughts fly around in my brain of how I could use this great new information to impact my student’s learning. I have a passion for immigration and westward expansion so every time I hear these words my senses begin to tingle. I am also focusing my classes next year on reading historical novels. So the remainder of the time at the museum was well worth it.

I especially liked the “Historical Heads” activity. My group discussed different ways that this activity could work for us. Some thought we should tell the students that they have to draw a picture in the head and write a description under it. Others said that their students would be better off writing a description in the head & a question under the head. But I stated (and I firmly believe) that students should feel comfortable using any method that allows them to learn as well as show me (the teacher) what they learned. This method of “differentiated instruction” would work best with my students! I also loved the “Reading-Artifacts” worksheet and the method they showed to use it. Combining a “2 dimensional” artifact with a “3 dimensional” one allowed students to interpret from different perspectives, more like a professional historian would. But the greatest asset I received at the museum was the introduction to the fabulous website at www.chicagohistory.org. This site is incredible! I found myself thinking that everything Sarah Marcus and Heidi Moisan showed us I can use! The map site is great and student friendly. The Chicago Stories link is perfect for teaching my historical novels and so many of the stories fit into the areas I will be teaching this year! I have spent the last 40 minutes investigating this site. The Unit and lesson plans are great and very easy to find. There are even extension lessons for those who may master the subject early. There is even a “Fun and Games” page that has teacher downloadable copies as well as online games for the kids. The online resources page is extremely easy to navigate and seems very useful. I plan on incorporating this site early and often next year as I develop my new curriculum for Elective American History units.       

In the afternoon, after the website and artifact exercises we were allowed the opportunity to explore the museum unguided. This was a great time as we got to see so much of what made chicago famous. I have inserted a sampling of pictures for your enjoyment.           

CHICAGO: Hitting the pavement with a sprint!

     Well I woke up this morning (Sunday) at around 6:45 in the morning. I tossed & turned in the 1820’s style bed for about another 1/2 an hour, fighting the temptation to get up and get on with my day. Finally I arose & headed for a relaxing hot shower. No worries, my blogs are all done & I’m sure my roommates can’t be up this early! And what to my wondering eyes should appear but 3 totally dressed men looking for beer. What, now that crosses the line! No drinking until class ends at 3:00 pm, no exceptions gentlemen!!!

So after a quick & refreshing shower (shampoo & brushing hair not required) we headed to our 1st goal: the Sears Tower. We did some perliminary scouting the night before so we headed out directly for our goal. Yep, right up State to Jackson Street and boom, there we were. At 9 am, an hour before they open for viewing. Its wet and raining outside, this is not what I actually planned! Well it makes no sense to wait here or dwell on it so off we go to Navy Peer, we have an hour to kill anyway! The following is a pictural history of our trip:

Well the pictures could go on… and on… and on … so we will stop them right here! Needless to say that there were many opportunies to discover and appriciate Chicago today.  

Well the pictures could go on… and on… and on … so we will stop them right here! Needless to say that there were many opportunites to discover and appreciate Chicago today. Tripod (Bret Bridgeman) and I discussed how much more comfortable we are in Chicago right now because of the long walking tour we went on today. Well anyway, we made it to the Navy Peer in spite of finding not one porta-pottie along the way. I took us about 45 minutes to make this walk. Once we got there we walked around and actually struck up a couple conversations about Chicago with locals. Finally we decided to go back and enjoy the sears tower. The trip back was a bit quicker because we took a straighter route (amazing how things like mathematics & physics can make your life simpler). Once back at the Sears Tower we all decided that 7:30 would be a better time to go up since we could see both day & night on the same dime (or $15 actually). Finally we made our way back to the Art Institute of Chicago. Now that’s another story.

Me & Mr. Obama at the Sears Tower! 🙂

It is here at the Art Institute that I’m looking for inspiration for lessons in my classroom! I already use lots of art in my teaching. I believe that teaching with art helps take some of the pressure off students who “freak out” a bit from basic tests. Now don’t get me wrong or anything. I think there is a massive amount of useful art that could help in the classroom. But I feel that our guide acted as if we were art students instead of K-12 history teachers. She spent so much time on individual pieces that I wasn’t sure if we could finish by closing time. I liked how she brought up that American artists really didn’t have an American mentor or other artist to study & learn from. These American artists would have to either study from Europeans or learn (possibly a new style) on their own. I also thoroughly enjoyed the information she gave us concerning the painting of the Last of the Mohicans. But during much of the tour I found myself looking to take pictures and read about pieces of art that interested me.

 

 

   

 

Some positives I found at the Art Institute included the large variety of Lloyd Frank Wright’s work. I love this American’s modernism and was happy to see it. I was also happy to find a large selection of modern art. I find that my students are usually much more interested in this style that older and traditional art. I did find a book about creating art through books that I bought. It looks just like something I can use in my class to incorporate American art, art history, American history, and writing in a unit or integrated lesson plan.      

A Day of Contrasts in the Land of Lincoln

Mr. Hutch (The Teacher)

I believe that contrast is the main theme that ran through today’s historical adventures in Springfield & New Salem. There were contrasts in the historical sites we visited, contrast in the ways Lincoln was presented, and contrasts between how many historical sites are maintained and presented from town to town.

 

We began our day visiting the Old State Capital building in Springfield. This building was deconstructed and rebuilt as close to original Lincoln era as possible. CONTRAST: The only original part of the building is the block walls. They removed these blocks and stored them for several years as the new building (with metal frame) was built. The blocks were then put back just as one would put a jigsaw puzzle together. The furnishings of the building may not be the exact ones that were used originally, but they are as close and accurate as possible. 

 

Our troupe then walked over to Lincoln’s law offices above the post office. When they decided to restore Lincoln’s law office they used the best information available to them. CONTRAST: Historical research has discovered that the rooms and walls were put in the wrong spots when they were reconstructed. In addition, his office was intentionally made smaller and put in a different spot so that it would fit. Again, much of the furnishings were not original, yet very close to those that would have been used in Lincoln’s day.

We also visited Lincoln’s house in Springfield. This was the home that Lincoln made for 24 years. It was where Lincoln was living when he became president. Although the house was as Lincoln lived in it, some of the furnishings (as is customary in restored history) were not original. CONTRAST: The landscape was not the same as when Lincoln lived here. The Park Ranger did a good job of pointing this out and explaining the reasons way. But the roads would have been dirt and at times mud. Many houses were rebuilt in the area, but only if accurate records exsist. Otherwise the lots go without structures. Not exactly as in Lincoln’s time.     

We next visited Lincoln’s Tomb. This was a solemn sight. Remembering the man and what he accomplished in his artificially shortened life. His body spent over 3 weeks in many sites being viewed by adorning people. CONTRAST: Lincoln was a very divisive and controversial president when he lived. His election basically split the country and set South Carolina (as well as others) on the path to secession. He made so many decisions that could be construed as “unconstitutional” and yet he is the man held up by both the Democrats & Republicans as their hero.    

 

Finally we arrived in New Salem, home of a young twentish Lincoln. It was here that Lincoln taught himself to be a lawyer as well as working in a general store. CONTRAST: I had a real problem with “reconstructed” New Salem! My guess is that it is not apparent to most of us on the trip. But I am a veteran of both the Boston & the Philadelphia trips. After experiencing Old Sturbridge Village & Plymouth of Massachusetts as well as Valley Forge in Pennsylvania; I was highly disappointed with New Salem. On prior trips we experienced and talked with people in “character” of the colonial time period, ate an authentic 17^th century meal, worked with antique tools, cooked, and ate foods from the 1800’s, and walked on muddy streets. We experienced working 19^th century technology in water mills creating power for a lumber mill. But here in New Salem, it seemed nothing more than a tourist trap! My question was who lived in all these reconstructed log homes and why do I care? OK, Lincoln’s has historical significance! But all the others, why? I don’t believe that New Salem had paved streets in Lincoln’s time. And the sawmill didn’t even have water coming through it anymore! Those of you who went to Boston & Philadelphia can attest to what I have said. If you really want to see to beginning of technology affecting change, the onset of the American Industrial Revolution, then click the video below or pull up my videos on the right side of this page. Or better yet, Visit and enjoy Old Sturbridge Village & Plymouth yourself. I promise you won’t be disappointed!

Old Sturbridge Village Lumbermill:

 Sincerely, King Hutch

Chicago Trip Poems: ***I’m a Poet & didn’t know it!***

With every stressful day comes stress releasing play!  

A day at play is a day away from from the end of school in May!

A blog a day takes the fog away from history unrevealed.

And to this day I will always say on this trip I found my way! 

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Bret Bridgemen:

There once was a fella named “Tripod”

Who felt his name was quite odd

He yelled & he screamed & acted real mean

Till he found he became a “Wild Blog”

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Paul Zschokke:

Oh Mini Me, Mini I

I think I’ll punch you in the eye

A marble statue which moves so fast

This fight, this day has been a blast,

Oh Doctor-Doctor can you see

My name is “Doctor Mini Me”

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Mark Sims:

Mirror Mirror on the Wall

I can’t help that I’m so tall

History comes alive when I stand near

And you’ll never see me with a glass of beer

“Doctors” don’t fall or crack from fear

Fore if you look close, what do you see?

The splitting image of who, It’s Me!

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Steve Alvarado:

It’s a bird, it’s a train

He’s a man in the rain

Taking life by the horns if he can

Driving hard, pushing all, he dare not fall

A hero to some, always seeking his fame

Clark Kent or Drew is his new name.

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David Hazlett:

Quiet and calm is what I see

A man of convictions, that is the key

 Steady and strong just under the storm

Acurate like “RADAR” is always his form

A friend he will always be! 

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Jed Cook

Up at the crack of dawn, or maybe at noon

Ready to BLOG and hear a great tune

A slayer of many in this great place

Working the magic with style & grace

Forever with drink and smile on his face

The tables have turned and it’s they on the prowl

Great warrior of fun don’t change from Eagle to Owl

The Hunter must not become the Hunted! 

 

Blogging in the “Land of Lincoln”

So here I sit trying to come up with an angle for my daily blog. I feel a bit behind the curve. So many of my collegeges have shared tidbits of their blogs with me and I keep thinking “Why didn’t think of that?” or ” His or her interpetation is deep, I can never match that!”  So I guess I should just forget any angle & blog from the heart. Can’t really get in any trouble doing that can I??? Who knows for sure until I try so here we go…..

Primary Source Group Poems

I guess the theme for today, in my eyes anyway should be excitement. I am scheduled to teach several elective history classes this year so I have been searching for assessment ideas for several months. We began the day at the Abraham Lincoln Museum in Springfield, IL. As our host Erin Bishop began her presentation on “primary sources” I began to envision myself using different methods of teaching. I have a goal of student created “museums” as the centerpiece of final assessments for these classes. So you can imagine the ideas & interest that buzzed through my mind during this gathering. I wanted to jump up and yell at the top of my lungs “I got it, I got it, I got it!!!” But fearing a call to the hospital and a straightjacket I maintained my cool. Her talk focused on Lincoln & slavery but I could see the methods she discussed working in just about every area of US history! With every component that she brought up I saw myself teaching something. She talked to us about the difference in primary and secondary sources and I thought about how I would teach my students to think critically in interpreting these sources. We were given different ideas for using primary sources such as “student created one word poems” and writing mock “group textbook paragraphs.”

We then worked in a computer lab on a museum created web site and web-quest. And in spite of computer glitches like slow running computers, we could all see the benefits of using the site. Finally after lunch we had the opportunity to explore the museum on our own! I though it was just some big room that held Lincoln artifacts. Boy was I wrong! This building holds a fantastic array of “everything Lincoln!” The 2 movies were great. They were computer aided thee dimensional movies that brought the viewer along and put us right there in the middle of the action. There were middle school aged kids in the room & I could just feel & hear their excited reactions to the movies. How I would love to bring my students to the place! It was so incredible that my limited writing skills can not really give justice to this fabulous museum!                  

The day really started off with a big question mark for me. I didn’t know what to expect. I have been on both prior trips to Boston & Philadelphia and they were great! So now this new trip to the Chicago area has begun & the wonderful learning experiences continue! Learning history just doesn’t get any better than this!!!                 

Chicago at last – wait – no it’s Springfield???

Chicago Midway Airport

OK, so here we are. We made it in to Chicago’s Midway with few problems (just some bumps & a rough landing). Got right on the bus & headed for the “Land of Lincoln” Springfield Illinois.

We were honored to ride in a “sacred bus” that apparently was used by the “Great One”, the “Number One”, the “Only One” man of HOPE: Barack Obama!!!! Imagine the trill I felt to be sitting on the same seat that such an esteemed butt has graced. I can honestly say that I felt a tingle in my extremities as I sat in the impression of such a famous man!

 

 

We stopped for dinner and a group of us (no, it’s just not the same without the original “POSSE”) ate at a Chinese restaurant. The food was great! And the portions were super sized. Then on to Springfield a couple and a half hour trip to the Hilton.

Wow, what a surprise! The room was great. A huge bed in a single room! Just an awesome treat for the two days we will be here in Springfield. A few of us (maybe the beginnings of a “Posse part duce”) when out to see what was going on in the town. We finally settled at Sonny’s & watched the Lakers whip the Magic until it got out of control.

So here I am at my computer, “Control Panel of the Cyber Wars” commonly known as “blogging”. What does the week and a half hold for me? What adventures am I destined to enjoy? What memories will I make? Who really knows for sure? Stay tuned and find out for yourselves! Until then, I will check out,

 

Sincerely, 

        The King aka King Hutch aka John H. aka Sunshine aka Mr. Clean aka …          

PS: Click on this link for a video about Barak Obama:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zhhkF3dqXR0