Revolutionary Reflections

As I have reflected on this amazing trip that we were able to take it is hard to sum up what we experience in a short paragraph because we saw so much. The three main places that stand out to me are first, the Adams homes. After reading about John Adams and also seeing the movie. I got chills as I stood in the homes that he lived in. It was so neat to see the furniture and belongings. The second place was Mystic, CT. This city did not have major connections to the Revolutionary War, but I am glad we stopped there because it was so beautiful . Since I have lived on the West coast my whole life seeing a seaport on the east coast was very memorable for me. The last of the three events is being inside of Independence Hall where the Constitution was created. This was also a place where I got chills, it is such a sacred place. I am just so grateful for the experience. I was able to learn so much from all of you. I know there are many many students that will benefit from this opportunity.

Miracle Philadelphia- A New Language

Noah Webster created Webster's American Spelling Book because American's were making up a new language. The College of William and Mary took special pains that their students learn correct pronunciation. Tutors were advertised as "educated in good schools upon the continent". A common phrase to complement someone on their speech would be "you speak good American". Some of the most common changed words were dew for do and tew for too. It is a fascinating idea that as the different groups of people came to America the pure English evolved into a new way of speaking.

Miracle at Philadelphia

During the convention the question of whether a man will confide in a government a thousand miles distant was brought up. It was a problem that was not familiar to the men at the convention. Many of the European countries were fairly small compared to the size of the United States. As they came up with ideas on giving states freedom to make laws and regulations they helped to solve the problem. I thought this quote was very fitting. " Federal liberty is to states what civil liberty is to private individuals. "

Joseph Hodgkins- 1776

Joseph Hodgkins wrote a letter to his wife after the battle at Brooklyn. He said, "I had my sleeve button shot out of my sleeve and the skin a little grazed, but through mercy received no other hurt." As his wife read this letter I am sure she was counting her blessings, but at the same time realizing how precious life is and how easily it can be taken. Many lost a family member in the Revolutionary War and for their sacrifice I am truly grateful that I live in a free country where I feel safe and blessed with many opportunities.

1776- Fire in New York

On September 20-21 a fire was started on the Southern Tip of New York and was blown quickly into a wildfire. Many people had to move a second even third time as they thought that they were safe in there first location but soon found out that the fire had caught up with them. I can't even imagine how horrible it would be to see most of the city you live in burned to the ground. We are so lucky to have resources that can better control similar situations.

Bitter Sweet Friendship- John Adams

John Adams and Thomas Jefferson had a great relationship in the beginning while they worked on treaties and met with dignitaries from other countries to get support from them. When they returned to America. Their friendship started to sour and they lost contact for a while when John was Vice President. Later on Jefferson and Adams were able to reconcile and create amazing correspondence in letters to each other. They wrote about many topics over the years from war to family affairs. Ironically they both died on the same day July 4, 1826 and Adams last words were "Thomas Jefferson still survives".

John Adams

As I have read John Adams I have been amazed at what a dedicated man he was to this country. He had to leave his family so many times to take care of the business of creating a new country. When John told Abigail that he was going to leave once again, to France this time she said, "There is a cost to love". It truly was a cost for her. After being married for 14 years they had only spent half of it living together. While learning more about their relationship I think they are great examples of dealing with the give and take of marriage.

Simple Thanks

I was reviewing my notes and I just wanted to express gratitude and respect for the companies that made this all possible. The Larry H. Miller Education Project and Zions Bank History Seminar have stepped out of the everyday business world and made a huge difference in the education world. Thanks for dreaming big!

Post Trip Wrap Up

As I reflect this evening on our trip, I believe there were three important things I will take away from this experience. First, a better understanding of the placement of these events and what these places looked like and what these people went through. The whole "walk a mile in their shoes" kind of thing. I have gained a greater appreciation for how much work it was just to live let alone to communicate with the different colonies and create a unified front against a very formidable opponent. Second, a greater desire to learn more about everything in history so I can pass that information on to the next generation. I firmly believe that no matter whether you are a new immigrant or your family came to this country on the Mayflower, the culture and story of the US is the culture and story of us. Only by learning about our past can we avoid repeating the same mistakes and can we understand why we are as strong and powerful and sometimes pigheaded as we are today. We, ourselves and our students, want to be in this country for a reason and that reason is contained in our history. It is the history of US. Third, I am taking away from this experience a new desire to build and maintain friendships with fellow teachers. I have a lot to learn and the masters I got to share this seminar with taught me a lot and reminded me that I may teach history but I teach it to students who are excited to learn and it is my responsibility to fan that flame, not to douse it. Thank you all.
I'd be ungrateful if I didn't also take a moment to thank Mr. and Mrs. Larry H. Miller and all the other amazing people who made this experience possible. I keep calling it an experience because I can't think of a better word to describe it all. This seminar went far beyond learning to a exercise in friendshiping and self-discovery and many other activities and understandings. So, because I'm not very eloquent and I don't know a better way to express myself, I will keep it simple and say again, thank you so very much.

Philadelphia

Morristown and even to some extent Valley Forge have found a new home in my curriculum. In the past, I have touched on the hardships of winter during the Revolution but now I have stories I can tell of what happened and why the winters at these two camps were so different. I can bring to life the toils of the soldiers through a few of the stories I picked up while I was there. It won't have to take a lot of time out of my unit but it will make the events more meaningful.
As with all the locations/events we studied, the pictures Philadelphia will make everything more meaningful for my students. The huts at Morristown, the native structures contrasted with the British settlers' colony from Plimouth, and the National Constitution Center with Independence Hall in the background. Pictures truly can convey more than a thousand words ever could.
The tour through Independence Hall was amazing! I had looked forward to it the whole trip. Yet, I have to say the highlight for me was the National Constitution Center. I left that exhibit with a new,deep, and profound gratitude not only for the founding fathers and their foresight but also for the good leaders we have today and the indescribably courageous and selfless men and women who are fighting and are willing to fight for US to maintain our freedom today. As I left the Center, I actually felt the need to send a text to everyone I knew in the service and thank them for what they do.
Already I have changed what I do in the classroom because of the events of this day. I taught a summer school class after we got home and even though the class focused on the US between 1945 and 1989, I spent a lot of time explaining how events and decisions were influenced or effected by the Constitution and how the Constitution had been amended to reflect the changed America was facing. From now on in my classes, the US Constitution will be one of the continuous threads that ties the class together. No longer will I leave the Constitution and its intricacies for my government classes and just cover the broad strokes in US History.

New York

I've been to New York before. I've seen many of the places we went to on this trip but it was good for me to see them with a new purpose. Like Boston I very much enjoyed the day we spent walking, going at our own pace and setting our own goals for what we saw. Of course I loved that I got to Tiffany's, but I also developed a new love of Trinity Church. I must admit that the bus rides across the city to Prospect Park and back to Fort Washington were not as valuable to me as the time we spent getting there. As a suggestion for future trips, I would pick one or the other and not try to cross the city twice, especially in Monday morning traffic.
The one part of our trip to New York that should be given more time in the future was West Point. As a military historian, I thoroughly enjoyed those few hours. I could have spent days there. I must say a thank you to Gene and to our West Point guide. That was the highlight of the few days we got to spend in New York. The view from and stories of Fort Putnam and the chain across the Hudson will definitely become part of my classroom curriculum. I have not talked about any of these events in my class up to this point but I now feel I have done my students a disservice by not sharing these little stories with them.

Boston

I am so blogging illiterate that I hope this works!
Boston was a wonderful experience for me, as was the whole trip but I would like to make one post for each major stop so ...
The Mayflower was great as was the Addams' homes but the day that made Boston wonderful for me was the day we walked the Trail. We read about these places and that historical figures traveled from here to there but until you walk it, you have no concept of what that meant. For me, it was amazing to see how close things were to each other, and not just in the cities but the cities themselves. As I traveled the Trail, I realized how well these people must have known each other. They were "neighbors" in the 17th century form. Though these cities were large for the time, there was still a lot of undeveloped ground and space between homes. Though not all of them were intimate friends, as I walked I began to undertand the true nature of thier relationships.
The highlight of Boston, and arguably the entire trip for me, was the time we got to spend on the USS Constitution. This was mainly from a personal connection to the Navy and those who serve in that particular branch of the military. Yet, the Constitution was also the first frigate of that era I had ever been on and brought a new understanding to the perils and challenges faced by sailors of that war.
From Boston, I will take a new admiration for our founding fathers' humanity. I will teach my students to look beyond the myths and the demigod facades to the reality that these men were men, though unusually talented and insightful as they may have been.

SPAM

For some reason this blog was identified as SPAM. I have submitted a request for review to verify that it is not SPAM. You may still post as usual and do not have to worry that this is SPAM connected. If you have any questions please email me at tallen@morgan.k12.ut.us

Thanks
Terry

Extreme Gratitude

Extreme Gratitude
I first would like to express my extreme gratitude to Larry and Gale Miller for providing me with this opportunity. I am one who had never really traveled very much and had only seen the world through pictures and the stories of others. I come from a family of ten children where going to the McDonalds was considered the family vacation and although I loved the taste of those fresh French Fries they never brought me to tears. But then to be given such an amazing gift as this I became teary eyed a couple of times while on this trip. Both because of the amazing historical events that happened there along side with the notion that I was standing in these historically altering places because of someone's amazing generosity.
Gene kept using the phrase a "religious experience" and I had several while on this trip. The First and foremost has to be standing in Independence Hall. I stood there and closed my eyes and just listened imagining the sounds of John Adams and Ben Franklin pleading their case for Independence. What a phenomenal feeling to be standing in that room. The second would be going to Plymouth Rock. While standing along the shore I tried to imagine the Mayflower pulling into the bay. It was remarkable for me to think that this is where this great nation of ours started. There is a line from the movie "Good Will Hunting" where Robin Williams is telling Matt Damon’s character that no matter how smart he is he would never know how the Sistine Chapel smells by reading about it in a book. This is how I felt as I smelled that salty sea air and touched the water and ran my hand through the sand. I had seen this place in a book and even tried to describe it to my students. But standing there imagining I was back in 1620 when the Pilgrims first walked off the Mayflower and touched that heavenly soil for the first time. For those Pilgrims who were searching for that religious freedom I too shared that "Religious Experience" and then was over whelmed by a sense of patriotism and I couldn't help but think of my own religion and the freedoms that I now enjoy because of the great sacrifice of the Pilgrims. My third religious experience came from walking the grounds at West Point. Maybe it has extra significance because we are currently in a war and this is where our best and our brightest are trained to help retain the freedoms I so gratefully enjoy. It was fun to think about how West Point started during the Revolutionary War and continues today. It was pretty moving to stand at the top of the fort just above West Point and look over the Hudson River just as George Washington had. Another of my favorite things about West Point was to walk down trophy point where there were canons from our enemies from every conflict dating back to the Revolution.
These were just a few of many of the “religious experiences” as Gene would put it that I experienced. I will be able to take them and share them with my students hoping to ignite a passion in them for the History that Larry loved. I would like to just express once again my gratitude to Larry Miller for providing me with this opportunity.

July 4th

July 4^th takes on a new meaning after this seminar. Having the opportunity to visit historical sites with those who love history changes prospective. I appreciate all the insights and knowledge that was shared. For me, Washington’s Crossing was a wonderful climax to the trip. I often tell my students, “History is about people, everyday people, who applied themselves at pivotal moments and changed the world because they were there.” I think this applies to all those that made this seminar possible. One cannot fathom the ripple effect these 9 days will have on students and families in Utah. The river Washington and his men had to cross on that fateful night was wide and fraught with danger. But they did it and changed the course of history. Today, we have many wide rivers to cross as we teach America’s youth. I wish you all the best as you make the journey into history more real and meaningful for all our students. Happy July 4^th to everyone!

What do you mean-favorite?

First of all, sorry that my picture was so big on the other one-I've never posted a photo before. I really have to say that I cannot choose a favorite place that I went. I loved them all for their own reasons. Massachusetts was amazing for the personalizing that we could do with some of history's great men and landmarks. Even at Plymouth Rock, though we could say, "That's it?" it was more like, "Whoa, that's it!!!" Plus, this was really the place for the exercise! Mystic really brought a different cultural experience. New York made connections I'd never made before and I was able to cross a few things off of my life list of things to do. It was a place of perspective. The sites of the battles, forts, and winter camps were places of realization. Philadelphia brought places of celebration! In between on the bus and in the hotels, we were given places of friendship and amusement. That's a whole lot of enlightenment in just nine days.

Going through Withdrawls

Well, how do we get over not being around each other all the time? I've gotta say, I'm lonely. My cat just isn't as entertaining as the rest of you were. Is anyone else feeling almost lazy now? Man, I feel like if I haven't visited six or more historical places within three hours during my day that I haven't accomplished anything. I almost crave gas station quick lunches now! Anyway, *sniff*, I really am glad that I got to meet so many amazing teachers during our seminar. I feel honored to have been chosen for such an adventure. I can't wait to start sharing all that I learned and all the pictures I took with my upcoming students. Too bad my school doesn't have much of any kind of technology to work with, but I'll make due. I already had the chance to share with several of my district peers that many of the historical sites will send out teacher packets. They were all very excited to learn of that.
Thanks to everyone for making it a fantastic experience!

Top 12 Phrases of the 2009 Trip

In case anyone wanted to see it again- or laugh at the memories...

The Top 12 Phrases of the Road to Revolution Seminar 2009

12. Now Ty's GPS is taking us.....

11. Look- an old cemetary. Let's see who is buried here!

10. I just ran a marathon

9. Follow the Red Brick Road (to the tune of The Yellow Brick Road)

8. I hopped a ferry......

7. I have a great butt! (if you didn't get to see Sharon's amazing butt, you are missing out :)

6. Take out your journal and take 5 minutes to reflect

5. More Stairs? Are you kidding me?

4. The subway took us where?!?!?!

3. Change of plans, back on the bus.

2. Now, a learning strategy you could use for this is....

1. Where's Bob?

Life Changing

First, let me say Thanks to everyone for making the trip so much enjoyable. It was amazing to be able to see so many historical sites- including cemetaries, with other people who found them interesting. Also, as a new teacher I was able to learn so much from everyone on the trip. Thanks in advance for letting me take your ideas :) As for the trip itself, there were two places that were the religious experiences Gene kept talking about. The first was being able to visit Braintree and Peacefield. The love of the country that Adams had was unbelieveable. It was extremely humbling to be inside the houses where he lived. It makes me wonder how many people today would be willing to sacrifice as much as he did. I have so much more respect and love for our founding fathers now then I ever did before. The other place was Independence Hall in Philly. To see pictures about it and learn about it is one thing, but to be inside that room knowing what happened in there was almost magical. It definitely has its own spirit and I am so grateful that I was able to experience that. I did also love the Consitution Center. I'm going to implement the theme of "We the People" throughout my classroom/curriculum. I think as social studies teachers, not only are we teaching history- but we need to give our students an understanding that they are active citizens and that the founding fathers did what they did for each of them.

Thanks for all of the memories! ps, Where's Bob?

Making It Real

Now that I have had the opportunity for history to become real for myself, I will embark on a journey to make it become real for my students. Standing in Independence Hall, where the dream of many became a reality and began years of struggles was an unforgettable feeling. I only hope that through my experiences, I will be able to inspire my students to understand the sacrifices of many who came before us. Philadelphia was truly a highlight for me. Starting with the mad dash to see the Liberty Bell, Franklin Square, the Quaker Meeting Hall to the presentation in the Constitution Center, the Mint (even if it was not working), Betsy Ross' house and everything in between inspired me so much. Using the memories of my senses (although I didn't lick the bell---Riko???) during that day, I hope I can make it real for students. 5th graders want to experience things, not be told or read about them. My job has just begun to make it "real" for them. Thanks to all that I spent time with in Philadelphia- you each helped create a memory! Can I also say the signer's gallery was really interesting to me. Never have I been in a room with so many adults so close in size to my height!

A summation

What a great experience to be able to have the sensory experience I did at these wonderful sites. The challenge is now to provide my students with the opportunity to "feel" the experience. My students typically appreciate the sacrifice that was made for them, but as they often hear of the great sacrifices made on their behalf, like their parents, they sometimes, tune that out. The emotion is what my students connect with when it comes to history. Making it impactful is always a challenge. I appreciate the opportunity I had to feel the emotional impact.
Additionally, thanks for the opportunity to learn from all of you. Not only are you great teachers, but also great people.
Can't wait to see some of your pictures, which I am sure are better than the ones I have. Have a great summer.
Anyone hear how Riko's leg is doing?

Crossing Reflections

To me the Crossing of the Delaware had particular impact. Realizing how this event was a turning point for the war and how we also have an awesome DVD, The Crossing, that brings the Crossing alive for our students, really helped me to connect to the visit to this site. Looking at replicas of the boats and the size of the Delaware made the whole battle/war come alive.

Philadelphia Reflections

By far this was the most exciting day for me of the whole trip. I have been wanting to go to Philadelphia for years to see the places where the Declaration of Indpendence and Constitition were written. I absolutely loved this day. To be able to stand in Indpendence Hall in the room where our country began was amazing. There was such a feeling there and you could just feel how important the events that happened inside that room where. It was almost as if you could hear their voices and I really feel like you will always feel thier spirit inside that room. The second favorite by far was the Constitution Center. I loved the movie we were able to watch and it really made me think about the Constitution and our country. It really hit me sitting there and brought tears to my eyes. I definately have a better understanding and appreciation for our Constitition. I know that this will be brought into the classroom as I teach about the Constititon. I truely believe that every American needs to watch that video to help them gain a better appreciation for themselves. I also really enjoyed visiting the Tomb of the Unknown Revolutionary War Soldier. As I went there I couldn't help but to compare it to the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in D.C. It was so different. I felt like this was one of the most forgotten places in Philadelphia, yet it is so important. This tomb is really what it is all about. Men dying for our country so that we might enjoy our freedoms and the lives that we have. Inscribed on the tomb it said, "Beneath this stone rests a soldier of Washintgon's army who died to give you freedom." I think that says it all. Behind the tomb there is a statue of Washington with the inscription "Freedom Is A Light For Which Many Men Have Died in Darkness." I believe that Phildelphia captured the whole essense of this trip. The men, and women who have struggled to give us the freedom, rights, and the coutnry which we live in today. I am so thankful I was able to go on this trip. I gained so much knowledge, a better appreciation, and even more excitement about the subject which we teach. I am excited to teach my students about all that we learned and to incorporate the new materials that I was able to obtain. Thank you Larry H. Miller and Zions bank for this great opprotunity. It means more than you will ever know.

New York Reflections

I really enjoyed being able to see more of New York. I had been there about 10 years ago, but loved being able to tour not just the city, but West Point as well. I loved seeing Ft. Putman and learning about it. I have knew about that place really, and it was so interesting to me. You could just imagine the soldiers sitting in the rock fort watching out over the Hudson for the British. I also never knew about that chain they stretched across the river before. I found that very interesting. As we toured West Point it also gave be a deeper appreciation for the military and all that they do for our country and their willingness to sacrifice thier lives for us. As we got into the city, it was fun to be there once again. I forget how NY stinks. I will not miss that aspect or the wall of people to people. I really enjoyed seeing the city but would have to say that my two favorite places would have to be the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. The statue is such an awesome sight to see in person. It gives you such a great feeling you could imagine the feelings that the immigrants felt when the saw her for the first time. I have never been to Ellis Island before and was so excited to go. I loved it and learned so much there about what immigrants went through before being allowed into the U.S. I loved all of the old photographs they had everywhere. It made it seem more real to be able to see the faces of people who had gone through Ellis Island. Overall, I had a great time in NY and learned much more by being able to be there in person and experience it first hand.

Boston Reflections

I have waited so long to visit this city and was so excited to be able to go there first hand. Boston has so much history and important events that happened there. I loved being able to walk around the city and see these important places. My favorite places that we saw on the Freedom Trail would have to be the Old North Church and the USS Constitution. I thought the Old North church was beautiful inside and I could just imagine them putting the lanterns in the tall steeple. I also loved seeing the USS Constitution and being able to take a tour of the old ship. It has so much history and has survived for so long. It it amazing that it never got sunk and survived through each of its 33 battles. Can you imagine how huge that ship would be dry-docked? I loved being able to stand in the same places as the Revolutionaries and in places that played such a role in history. I loved Boston and hope that I can go back there some day.

Philadelphia Reflections

Hands down, the highlight of Philadelphia for me was the National Constitution Center. Unfortunately there is no way to effectively share the experience there with my students, but the effects of that experience on me will trickle down to my students in my teaching about the Constitution. The program, as many of you experienced as well, brought tears to my eyes. Then as I walked around the rotunda there I gathered numerous ideas and insight as to how the Constitution affects our lives today. That is what I can pass along to my students, the realization that it is more than an old crusty piece of paper. It is a lasting and living document that affects their lives and their actions, even in small town Spanish Fork, Utah.
Valley Forge also left a lasting impression on me. I had no idea how enormous the encampment really was. And I was able to find, through their database, the names of three relatives who were camped there. Cool!

New York Reflections

New York City is just as I remembered it from my last trip there - busy, loud, and teaming with energy. As we set out from Boston, I anticipated the highlight of our stay in that state being a visit to Ground Zero. Our first stop in New York proved me wrong though - West Point. What an experience to visit that Academy and get the insider's tour. It gave me a renewed appreciation for the young people who selflessly enter into the service of this country.
Ellis Island surprised me as a close second to my favorite New York spot. Prior to this visit, I didn't understand how extensive a process it was for immigrants coming through Ellis Island. I didn't realize that it was more than just checking IDs and immigrants' outward appearances. The pictures and stories from this island will most definitely add to my immigration unit.

Boston Reflections

What an absolute thrill! There's little else I can say that suitably expresses my reaction to the past nine days I was able to spend with you all at some of the most important places in our nation's history. Plymouth Plantation was a real treat, interacting with the historical players there. The Freedom Trail was a grand experience, but the Boston highlights for me were Peace Field - having read about it in John Adams - and the USS Constitution. That's an impressive record for a ship, 33-0. Our trip to Lexington and Concord put the distance in perspective for me, something I fear my students struggle with as well. Being able to give them a more accurate geographic perspective will hopefully increase their understanding of the beginning of the Revolution.

What Awesome Teacher We Have!

Besides visiting all these amazing places I feel most blessed to have gain knowledge and ideas from such great teachers! I enjoyed the open mic time listening to many great and innovative teaching strategies many of the teachers were using in thier classrooms. It's always been easier for me as a less experienced teacher to steal as many ideas as I can from great teachers! You all have helped me much on this trip! I hope many of you have had the same experience I had of learning from our peers on this trip! So I would like to thank many of you for being the great teacher you are! My philosophy is I can always be better at teaching and there is always a resource in many of my fellow teachers. My philosophy was proven this past week on this amazing trip with some great Utah teachers! Thank you!!!!

How do you choose a FAVORITE place on this amazing seminar?

As I finished up my learning logs for places we had been throughout our tour I had a hard time deciding my favorite place. So I will give you a summation of where I had what Gene called a "religious experience". My first of these experiences came when we were able to tour the Adamses residence in Quincy. It was powerful to be in the rooms where many of these letters were written by Abagail to John in McCullough's book, John Adams. It was a moving book and even more moving to be in there home and see where both John and Abagail had passed away. Peacefield was beautiful and surreal.

The Freedom Trail was a venture that was coupled with many of these experiences. What historical sites one after another was found throughout this day. The Old South Church, the Boston Massacre site, the burial grounds of many patriots, Paul Reveres house, Bunker Hill and the U.S.S. Constitution! What a fun day!

Last but not least was the experience I had in Philadelphia! To be in the room where two of the greatest events happened in United States history, the signing of the Declaration of Independence and Constitution! Liberty Hall was the greatest of these "religious experiences"! It was very moving to have read about the Constitutional Convention in Miracle of Philadelphia and then to actually witness where it had all gone on! What an opportunity!!!

American Revolution by Immersion

Our journey through the American Revolutionary was amazing. Just think of the places we can tell our students that we have been and be able to show them pictures of us there! At times I felt like it was a history overload BUT I enjoyed every minute of it!

How great was it to be lead by three lovers of history on our journey (thanks Gene, Val and Cindy!). This experience of history by immersion will truly help us be better teachers in many ways! We not only were able to visit some of these amazing places but were able to interact with great teachers from all over Utah.

We shared many ideas and teaching strategies that we will be able to take back and use in our classrooms. These ideas and strategies became priceless tools for me as a teacher. The last thing this trip did for me as a teacher though was give me a thirst for knowledge in history! It once again excited my zeal for history and teaching that to our youth! What a great program for teachers! Thanks to Larry H. Miller and Zion bank for this great opportunity that I will never forget!

Last thoughts (3)

I feel that using my own personal experience to share with my class to make it more real and more personal to them. The strategies were good and there are many things I can add to my teaching, but the most effective is to make the kids know it is real and how important these events are to us and our history.

My favorite spots

wow it is hard now as I look at the pictures I took to really think about what I liked the best. I think that Independence Hall was a great palce becasue it brought a lot of what we were talking about to a head. It was amazing to see tha room that it all happened in. What the guy there said is so true, that this might be the most important room in our history. I also loved the Adams homes which ment so much more to me having read the books and seeing the HBO movie. It was makign it all so REAL That I feel is the most important thing I got out of this..making it real.

My reflections 1

Ok this is my first post of the three during/after the trip. I am going to cover a few areas that made me think the most and effected me the greatest. The first of these would have to be the sights on the Freedom trail. I was so in awe of what I was seeing and the feelign of being where it happened. Even though some of them had been commercialized I could still feel the spirit of it all. I wish I had more time there to really suck it all in. It was amazing and I loved every second I had. Bunker Hill and the North Churh really touched me.

Hello Cindy: I suppose this blog is response to "Miracle @ Philadelphia. It is a miracle that all the pieces fell together both people wise and event wise so that our nation was founded. After the events of the last 6 days  this is evident, even self evident. It is my belief that our founding fathers were very aware of their actions and what they were doing. They were aware of the very experimental part of their works. I don't think they knew what was going to happen but I get the feeling that they thought it would work? And I would like to be a spiderman on the wall ( not hiding behind some tree at the ferry) if we were to take George Washington, John Adams, Thomas Jefferson, Ben Franklin, George Mason and even the insignificant George Rogers Clark and give them a look at Time Square today. I even have to wonder what Alexander Hamilton would say?

I'd also like to go on record publicly and Thank Mike for taking an old Mormon guy to Mass today. That group hug thing you guys do in the middle of Mass was probably one of the most Christian things I have ever felt. Thank you.

Where's Bob?

Time has come

I just finished 1776 for the second time. you have to give it to General Washington in being able to hold men together. Normal fellow would have been home sipping on their colonial coladadas.

By Bob

While reading, Miracle at Philedelphia, I think that the framers applied a quote from Cicero that John Adams quoted. It states, "the people's good is the highest law". Whenever they came to a stumbling block and then thought about the "people's good", it seems that they were able to compromise and work through the impasse.

While reading the book, Miriacle at Philadephia, I was impressed with Washington's ability to influence with few words. I love the description of him as "the greatest character in America". I also like the quote, "In his silence lay his strength".

As I read 1776, I couldn't help but think of Washington's motivation for fighting the war. He really had so much at stake, and very little chance of winning. I would love to be able to ask him what his motivation was.

Battles

OK gang it's about time. I have some internet links in my reports on "The Battles of Saratoga and Vincennes." These are word documents and if you copy them directly you may just click and go to the original sources. I posted them to my web page  at the following address           http://my.uen.org/51443            .            On my front page there is a set of subject tabs running along the top of the page. The tab on the far right is labeled L. H. Miller. Click on this tab and you will find the templates for our class and also word documents about, "The Battle of Vincennes" and also "The Battle of Saratoga." You may also visit any of the other subject tabs that you wish to, because I have no sacred cows about people using stuff. My only stipulation is that if you find any homework there, DON'T DO IT! I really don't want to correct it.

Enjoy and see you soon,

Bob Hoopes

Participant Requirements

Participant Requirements
Miller Travel Seminars

Before the travel seminar

1 Attend the March 28^th pre-meeting.

2. Read the assigned texts: “John Adams”, “Miracle at Philadelphia” & “1776”

a. Complete learning logs (see template within your workbook) for each chapter of the assigned

texts. Learning logs will be turned into Dr. Gene Sessions.

b. Participate in the ‘Larry H. Miller Foundation Revolutionary War Seminar Blog.’

i. Post comments related to the texts, your curriculum, or respectful responses to other’s comments on the blog. You should make at least two entries per text.

ii. Post your picture in the blog so that participants can come to know you via the blog before the travel seminar.

3. Clear your calendars for Saturday, May 9^th (?). Plan on spending part of the day with David McCullough.

4. Choose a group of teachers (3-5) with whom you will work.

a. Collectively select an objective (see “Objectives: Larry H. Miller Revolutionary War Seminar”) about which you will become “experts”.

b. Individually research and write a one page, front & back, informational paper based on your chosen essential question (see “Objectives: Larry H. Miller Revolutionary War Seminar”).

i. Informational papers should include, works cited, and analysis of both primary and secondary sources.

ii. Print and three-hole punch 35 copies of your informational paper.

iii. Readings will be collected and distributed upon arrival in Boston.

During the travel seminar

1. Miller Seminar Journal.

a. Keep your Journal with you at all times.

b. Write regularly in your journal.

i. Journal posts might include: information learned, reflections on your experiences, insights on how you will use the information in your classroom etc…. Journals will also include classroom strategies learned during the seminar.

ii. Journals will not be collected following the travel seminar; they are for your use.

2. Learning log DURING the seminar.

a. Keep your learning log daily during the seminar.

b. Nightly seminar learning logs are different from daily journal posts. Learning logs should include brief reflection on what you learned during the course of the day, as well as how the information could be used in the class room upon returning from the trip.

c. Learning logs will be given to Dr. Session following the travel seminar.

3. Revolutionary War blog DURING the seminar.

a. Post 2-3 comments on the ‘Larry H. Miller Foundation Revolutionary War Seminar Blog.’

b. During the seminar the blog will give us an opportunity to dialogue the experience as a community of learners.

4. Act professionally and participate as engaged learners.

a. Participate actively in all provided learning strategies

b. Be quiet & respectful when others are presenting.

c. Fulfill all of the requirements of the travel seminar.

After the travel seminar

1. Turn in your completed learning logs to Dr. Gene Sessions.

2. AFTER the travel seminar each groups will collectively create, share and model a lesson to teach their chosen objective to students (lessons should be comprehensive and may run for more than one class period)

a. Lessons should utilize supplied planning templates.

b. Lessons should teach the Enduring understanding (objective) by addressing each of the essential questions.

c Lessons should include both formative and summative assessments.

d. Lessons should include a variety of best strategies for both elementary and secondary students.

e. Lessons should include strategies for differentiated learners.

f. Lessons should run the range of Blooms taxonomy both level I and level II.

g. Lessons should include at least four of the Learning Activities identified on the planning template (you may choose to use the supplied strategies and/ or utilize some of your own).

h. Participants should supply soft copies of all learning strategies.

3. Post at least one follow up comment related to your experience on the travel seminar on the ‘Larry H. Miller Foundation Revolutionary War Seminar Blog.’

4. Serve as a resource in your school, district and community to improve the teaching and understanding of the American Revolution from the Boston Massacre to the Constitutional Convention

Information regarding the seminar

Hi all,

A number of you have asked questions regarding ticketing and scheduling my hope is this e-mail will address the majority of your questions. Following their letter is an adapted itinerary and answers to specific questions you have each posted. Lastly, please continue to complete your learning logs, and blogs. For those of you regularly visiting the blog you will note I have added a weblink to a video of David McCullough’s presentation in the SLC tabernacle this past week.

“Good Morning Teachers,

We are just a few weeks away from a fantastic history trip.

Here are a few reminders for our departure on June 9:

I. Airline Information:
A. Outbound flight :June 9 - 7:30 a.m. Meet at the Delta Check-In - We will check in as a group. We all have electronic tickets & will receive boarding passes at check in - SLC to Boston – 9:40 a.m. Delta Flt # 1254 - Non stop – Arrives 4:25 p.m.
B. Return flight: June 17 - Philadelphia. to SLC - 5:35 p.m Delta Flt. 1687– Non Stop – Arrives 8:30 p.m.

II. Per Diem, Materials money, $15 airline one bag check in each way
Will be sent to all teachers prior to the June 9th departure.

III. Teacher Stipend: $50 per day x 9 days
Will be sent to teachers following the trip

IV. Teacher Personal Information Needed
Drivers License - Medical Insurance Cards – Credit Card

V. Other:
Medications, good walking shoes, sunscreen, sun glasses, hat
Eye glasses, contact lenses, lip balm, swim suit.

VI. Education Materials
Be sure and bring all requested materials. Including:
A. Your one page (front and back) typed, hole punched paper dealing with your essential question.
B. The textbooks, “1776”, “John Adams” & “Miracle at Philadelphia”
C. Your three ring binder and journal.

We will see you bright and early June 9,

Val & Gene

Larry H. Miller Education Project, Zion’s Bank History Seminar
Revolutionary War, 2009
Boston - New York - Philadelphia
“From the Boston Massacre to the Constitutional Convention”

READINGS: McCullough, 1776; McCullough, John Adams; Bowen, Miracle at Philadelphia

Tuesday 9 June - Day One
• Meet at Salt Lake International Airport 7:30 AM at Delta Check-In (Flight 1254 departs 9:40 AM)
• Fly to Logan International Airport,Boston - dinner at Quincy Market/Faneuil Hall Area
• Check in at Boston Park Plaza Hotel (617-426-2000)
• Orientation Meeting in hotel after check-in – Evening 2 hrs
•
Wednesday 10 June - Day Two
• Colonial antecedents: Plymouth Rock and Plimoth Plantation
• Adams Historical site in Quincy, including birthplaces, Stone Library, and the Old House (Peacefield)

Thursday 11 June - Day Three
Boston & the Freedom Trail, including the Common & Garden, Beacon Hill, Park Street Church, Old South Church, Old State House, Boston Massacre site, Faneuil Hall, Quincy Market, Paul Revere House, Old North Church, USS Constitution, and Bunker Hill

Friday 12 June - Day Four
• Cambridge, including Harvard Square and Longfellow National Historic Site (Washington’s Headquarters)
• Lexington, Concord, and Minuteman National Historic Park, Walden Pond
• Travel I-95 to Mystic CT Holiday Inn Express (860-572-9065)

Saturday 13 June - Day Five
• Mystic Seaport
• Leave Mystic for New York City via West Point and the lower Hudson Valley
• Check into Iroquois Hotel in New York City (212-840-3080), walk Times Square

Sunday 14 June - Day Six
Meet Anthony Napoli at St. Patrick’s Cathedral, hear a lecture on the history of NYC,
Tour NYC sites: Little Italy, Chinatown, Wall and Broad Streets, Ground Zero, the Statue of Liberty, and Ellis Island.

Monday 15 June - Day Seven
• Visit Greenwood Cemetery in Brooklyn Heights to Fort Washington in Upper Manhattan
• Revolutionary War sites in NJ, incl. Battles of Trenton and Princeton, and Morristown Winter Camp
• Travel to King of Prussia PA Holiday Inn Express (260 N. Gulph Rd)

Tuesday 16 June - Day Eight
• Philadelphia (morning and early afternoon) and Independence Hall Historical Park area, including Independence Hall, Carpenter's Hall, Franklin Court, Betsy Ross House, Reading Market, Constitution Center, Liberty Bell
• Valley Forge in the afternoon

Wednesday 17 June 30 - Day Nine
• Leave Philadelphia early: Visit Washington Crossing State Park
• Fly to SLC from Philadelphia (afternoon).

Tickets for David McCullough

A number of you have e-mailed regarding how to get tickets for the David McCullough event on May 9th. Steve has asked me to forward the following information to you regarding tickets.

"Cindy,

Please forward this email on to all your teachers so they know where to go to order tickets. I have attached an email below that Steve Starks sent out last week with all of the information. This is the only way to get tickets. If the link doesn’t work, please copy and paste the below link into your address bar:

http://purchase.tickets.com/buy/TicketPurchase?organ_val=3414&pid=6502079
(THERE IS A WEBLINK TO THIS ADDRESS ON THE SIDE TOOL BAR UNDER WEBLINKS)

Teachers,


Please forward this e-mail on to your colleagues and associates. Because of ticket demand, we have had to move the event to the historic Tabernacle on Temple Square. We would like to thank the Conference Center event office for hosting us for this special event.

Because of the Conference Center’s help, you will now be able to follow the link below and order free tickets directly from the Conference Center ticketing office. These tickets will then be mailed to you. Details for parking will follow but we encourage the use of public transportation including Trax. This event is open to Utah teachers and their families (children over 8). If you would like to invite students, please do so in moderation as the primary audience for this event is teachers. Mr. McCullough is excited to speak to you and has agreed to answer audience questions at the end of his remarks. He has also agreed to sign books after the event but there will be no books available for purchase on the day of the event so please make arrangements beforehand.

“The Larry H. Miller Education Project and Zions Bank are pleased to present "A Morning with David McCullough” for Utah teachers. Mr. McCullough, Pulitzer Prize-winning author and recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom, has authored, among other books, Truman, 1776, and John Adams, which remains one of the most critically acclaimed and widely read American biographies of all time and was the basis for the John Adams HBO min-series.


Mr. McCullough has lectured in all parts of the country and abroad, including the White House and a joint session of Congress. As one of the foremost author historians of our generation, Mr. McCullough speaks passionately about the value of education and its role in society.

Please join us on Saturday, May 9th from 10:00-12:00 for this special event. For ticket availability please click here. Participants are asked to arrive at the Tabernacle 15 minutes before the event. In conjunction with this event, The Constitutional Sources Project is hosting an essay competition for high school students and teachers sponsored by Ray Quinney & Nebeker P.C. and Kirton McConkie P.C. Twenty winning essayists (ten students, ten teachers) will meet with Mr. McCullough prior to the event and the top two students will be provided an all-expense paid trip to eastern historical sites summer of 2009. For more information, visit www.ConSource.org.”

Miracle at Philadelphia

Chief Justice Warren E Berger once said:

“Our Constitution has had as great an impact on humanity as the splitting of the atom… I applaud the republication of this extraordinary work (“Miracle at Philadelphia”) and recommend it to anyone who want to know about the creation of the oldest existing national constitution, and who enjoys the excitement of the world-historic drama told by a master storyteller.”

Need I say more about the power of this outstanding work?

Please share your reflections, comments, curriculum ideas and respectful responses to other’s comments regarding Catherine Drinker Bowen’s “Miracle at Philadelphia” below

Reflections on 1776

Joshua Micha Marshall of “The New Yorker” said regarding David McCullough’s “1776”

“This is history at the ground level, sometimes even a few inches below. There is squishing mud for soldiers to trudge through, letters about absent loved ones and heartbreaking deaths, driving snow, and battlefields tipped with sun-gleaming bayonets like so many teeth grasping for prey. The prose is vibrant, and there is a telling insight into each character.”

For myself “1776” is my favorite of McCullough works. What do you each think?

Please share your reflections, comments, curriculum ideas and respectful responses to other’s comments regarding McCullough’s “1776” below.

Reflections on John Adams

It is said of McCullough's John Adams

"175 years after his death, we can at last give Adams the esteem he deserves" .... "with no disrespect for the monumental tasks with which they were faced, his finely honed perspective of our founding fathers steps away from their larger-than-life images and makes them very human and accessible. Lavish and abundant in documentation, readers will be delighted with the fascinating, colorful narrative in JOHN ADAMS" (Ann Bruin as qtd in Book Report & Pauline Maier in the New York Times)

Please feel free to share your reflections, comments, curriculum ideas and respectful responses to McCullough's "John Adams" below

Text Blogging

The first time I read "Miracle at Philadelphia" was as a college student, I raced my way through the book, occasionally scribbling my highlighter in the side margins so it looked as if I had read far more than I actually had. My sole purpose for reading the book was to receive credit for the course, knowledge was way down on my list of motivators. I remember very little from that first read. Go figure?!!? I read it sometime later when researching for a class- this time I was the teacher and I needed information to augment my own teaching. Wow what a difference a decade and being invested in the readings makes


My experience with "Miracle at Philadelphia" reminds me of the quote by Walt Whitman, who wrote "The process of reading is not a half sleep, but in the highest sense, an exercise, a gymnast's struggle: that the reader is to do something for him or herself, must be on the alert, just construct indeed the poem, argument, history, metaphysical essay--the text furnishing the hints, the clue, the start, the framework." Why didn't I think like this in college? When I think of all the time I wasted reading books because I had to rather than because I wanted to I could slap myself upside the head!

The purpose of this blog BEFORE the travel seminar will be to help us collectively construct, argue, debate and build a framework for understanding the American Revolution from the Boston Massacre to the Constitutional Convention through our assigned texts -“Miracle at Philadelphia”, “John Adams”, & “1776”. Please post your insights regarding the texts while reading.


I look forward to hearing from you all.

Cindy