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Moffat's Travels

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National Park Week Day Six...Statue of Liberty

4/23/2015

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As an educator that values giving students experiences, virtual tours are a true treasure in my classroom.  Virtual tours are the next best thing to a classroom field trip! I am always thrilled when there is a high quality tour that I can incorporate into our classroom studies.  The kids love it!
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NPS Statue of Liberty Junior Ranger Book PDF
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NPS Statue of Liberty Virtual Tour

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National Park Day Five - Happy Earth Day From Arches National Park

4/22/2015

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Arches National Park Junior Ranger Book PDF
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Happy Birthday to John Muir the "Father of National Parks"

4/21/2015

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I would be greatly amiss if I did not share John Muir's birthday today with his vision and contribution to the National Parks that we still enjoy today.  

My own students have truly enjoyed learning about John and his passion for nature and it's preservation. We have incorporated him into our history journals alongside Teddy Roosevelt.

If you are unfamiliar with the book "The Camping Trip That Changed America," I highly recommend it.  It shares of the magnificent and inspiring time that TR had with John while camping in Yosemite Valley.  I love that one of the illustrations is patterned after the iconic picture of TR and John standing at Glacier Point overlooking Yosemite Valley. We have also come across the same story in the video series "Charlie Brown's This Is America."  

It is not possible to teach and discuss the importance of the National Parks without understanding the role of John Muir.  As Americans, we are thankful for your vision for conservation!

John Muir National Historic Park
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National Park Week Day Four...Mount Rushmore and Junior Ranger Day

4/21/2015

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My first memory of the Junior Ranger program was when our daughter participated while on our family trip to Mount Rushmore (that trip will have another entire post at some time because it is quite a story).  She was eleven at the time.  I can remember her eagerly going through the exhibits answering the questions in the Junior Ranger book.  Upon completion, she presented it to the Park Ranger to be sworn in to protect the National Parks.  

My only regret is that we already had a few National Parks under our belt before this trip and we did not take advantage of them (the Statue of Liberty saddens me the most).  Many of the National Parks post their Junior Ranger information online near the educators section under kids.  I have spent a fair amount of time doing research across many of the parks looking for information for my own students. Although Mt. Rushmore's Junior Ranger book is not available online, the website does offer a kids' fun page with more information to learn about the four presidents.  Please click on the link below to access the fun page.

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National Park Week Day Three...Washington Monument

4/20/2015

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Teaching about national symbols is part of our district curriculum.  I have had more fun this last week as we have been studying Washington DC and the countless symbols found in the city.  It was particularly delightful when my teammate discovered the Lego Roadside Americana exhibit at a local mall.   We had a grand time taking pictures and then sharing them with our students in the classroom for writing/art projects.  
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National Park Service 
Washington Monument
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National Park Week Day Two...Minute Man National Park

4/19/2015

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In honor of Patriot's Day, I am choosing to post Moffat's visit to Minute Man National Historical Park in Concord, Massachusetts.  Happy National Parks Week Day Two.  

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My daughter and I were in Boston several years ago to cheer my college roommate on as she ran the Boston Marathon. As a traveler who wants to see and experience it all, we took the train up to Concord one afternoon to visit Minute Man National Historical Park.  For as much as I wanted to visit during all the weekend activities, we were unable to but were able to visit on Monday.

Due to the tight train schedule, my daughter and I took turns jogging to cross the bridge to make it to the visitors center before it closed.  I felt like we were doing our own miniature amazing race.  We were able to make it to the visitor's center where my daughter was able to turn in her junior ranger packet and receive her badge.  

We were able to take a slightly more leisurely pace as we walked back into town to catch the train. I still would have like more time.  What struck me as we walked back was that we were walking in a space that the start for the fight for our country's freedom began.  It was a little overwhelming to think about.  Along the way, the flowers that were beginning to bloom were a reminder of a new start.

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Explore and learn more at the National Park's Webrangers 
"Road To Revolution"
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National Park Week Day One...National Mall

4/18/2015

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I thought it would be fitting to start off National Park week with photos from the National Mall and Memorials in Washington DC.  These two photos were taken at the Jefferson Memorial.  The photo above is taken from the steps looking north across Tidal Basin towards the Washington Monument. As always, I enjoy meeting the rangers that are on duty during our visit.  They are always very helpful and informative.  One of my treats for my classroom is the Junior Ranger Badge.

I have no memory of going to a National Park as a child.  Now, it is something I treasure.  The NPS's Junior Ranger program is an engaging way to encourage learning during an adventure.  Please take the time to expose your young children to the amazingly rich sites our country has to offer!
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Click on the link above to access the NPS Junior Ranger information from the National Mall
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Moffat's Friends ...my husband Jim

4/17/2015

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For as much as I would like to admit that I have been to all the amazing places that I have Moffat photos for, I cannot.  Over the years, my friends and family have helped me gather my photos for my crazy obsession.  Moffat has been to Alaska three times and has been to Christmas in NYC on numerous occasions.  I have not done either.  Many people comment that they wish they were Moffat.  I whole heartedly agree!
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With this being said, I would like to introduce you to my husband. He (along with our two kids) put up with my nuttiness while traveling and are very supportive (it's not always easy as I drag them all over the place).

The photo to the left is from our last trip to Washington DC to visit our son.  I only took my phone with me this morning and he graciously zipped Moffat into his backpack. What I loved is that he was not shoved down into his backpack, but rather happily flopping along with a view!  Thanks honey!  I am thankful that you are so supportive and helpful with my crazy need to gather pictures!

I will be sharing more of Moffat's friends in the weeks to come.  
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Jackie Robinson Day

4/15/2015

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Ford's Theater 150 Years Later...

4/14/2015

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Tonight marks the 150th anniversary of the assassination of Abraham Lincoln.  We were fortunate enough to visit the theater/National Park last month during our visit to Washington DC.

As a first grade teacher, Lincoln's death is a touchy subject as I naturally want to shield my students from the tragedy  and sadness of the event.  However, years of experience have taught me that they know "Lincoln was shot," and it is best to discuss the incident rather than gloss over it.  Much like discussing 9/11, I feel that young students need to understand that there are individuals who have chosen to use actions instead of words to show their hatred and frustration.  I believe that it is a good lesson for young learners about how things could have been handled differently.

To the right is the non-fiction book I purchase for my students every year on Abe's birthday as a learning tool.  I highly recommend it!
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    Christy Howard
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    Passionate about photography, travel and teaching social studies to young learners.

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  • Moffat's Blog
  • About
  • My Support People
  • Geography in the Classroom
  • History In The Classroom
  • Diverse Kids
  • Honors and Continued Work
  • #Blog365
  • #historymakers