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Moffat's Travels

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Three for Thursday with Thomas Jefferson

1/5/2017

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I have been wanting to start this segment of my blog for awhile.  I incorporating a strong piece of literature with a Moffat photograph and a primary source document in as many of my lessons as I can.  It's hard to go wrong when you have the primary source and a Moffat photograph!

Our studies are finishing the American Revolution and moving into the Louisiana Purchase.  Thomas Jefferson is the perfect bridge and this book is a gem.  I start the lesson with the photograph of Moffat at Monticello and have the students recall who might have lived there.  We then move into discussion around Thomas Jefferson's amazing diagram of the macaroni machine.  Students love hearing about the "love apple(tomato)" and how Thomas tempted others to try it.  It is rather easy to find a parent that wants to bring in some TJ mac and cheese to finish out the leaning fun. 

Thomas Jefferson's Macaroni Recipe
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#Blog365 Day 44     Kid President, Pete Sousa and Fly Guy 

10/14/2016

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I love election season.  Let me clarify, I love teaching during election season.

​It's Friday and I often use the day to put done stamps on projects or do fun stand alone projects.  I am tucking election/presidential pieces in all over the place right now.

I love the new series of Fly Guy books by Tedd Arnold.  They have a great storyline, while at the same time, tucking in all kinds of crazy facts that the kids just eat up.  We were using the fire station one earlier this week.

I purchased the White House books for all of my kids so that we could access the presidential timeline within the book.  The math involved with the presidential terms is too good to pass up!  We made it through part of the book, discussing along the way and then looking at the timeline.

I decided to wrap up our day with one of my favorite Kid President videos where he get to go to the White House to meet President Obama.  It's a classic!  What surprised me was the amount of kids in my classroom that had never seen Kid President.  WHAT?  Never seen Kid President?  Clearly, I know what I will be showing during snack time today.  The message Obama shared with him was even rather timely for some kindness issues.

As I shared the video, I stopped along the way to show the images of White House photographer Pete Sousa.  I am honored to have both a family photo with the President, as well as an individual photo, taken by Pete.  They both hang in my classroom.  As I discussed Pete's job with my class, they began to wonder if his photographs of the President are some of the ones highlighted in Fly Guy Presents The White House.  What a great question!  I don't know the answer, but it was an incredibly fun lesson.  

If for some reason you have not seen Kid President or the new Fly Guy book, I encourage you to check them out.  Also, take the time to look at some of Pete's photographs.  The are magnificent!
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Hanging with Ranger Michael and Ranger Peter at the Lincoln Home National Historic Site

4/16/2016

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One of my favorite parts about visiting a National Park site is chatting with the Rangers.  The Lincoln Home Rangers were a delight.  It was wonderful to hear about Michael's time at the Statue of Liberty and his joy to be at the Lincoln Home.  Ranger Peter proudly stood by the handrail in Lincoln's home that visitors get use as they climb to the second floor.


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Proudly adding to my collection!!
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On this day...Dolley Madison comes to the rescue!

8/23/2015

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Moffat was fortunate enough to view the painting of George Washington by Gilbert Stuart at the National Portrait Gallery in Washington DC.
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In 1814, James Madison was the president of the United States and the US was once again at war with the British during the War of 1812. President Madison left the White House to visit troops, advising his wife, Dolley, to be ready to leave the White House at a moments notice. On August 23, when she received word for evacuation, she ordered the Gilbert Stuart portrait of George Washington to be saved.  The frame was broken (it was bolted to the wall) and the canvas was rolled and evacuated before the British troops occupied and burned the White House. Due to the damage, the Madisons were never able to reoccupy the White House again.
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To learn more about the portrait and the story of Dolley, take the time to explore the links below or read the book that can be found on Amazon.

Smithsonian interactive portrait
Dolley madison book on amazon
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On this day...

6/22/2015

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On this day, June 22, 1784, a resolution by the Virginia House of Delegates is made to have a GW statue created.
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Virginia State Capitol Website and Virtual Tour
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Visiting Our Founding Father's Home: Looking at George Washington's Mount Vernon Through Shapes

6/21/2015

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In honor of Father's Day, I thought I would share with you some of the research and work of my students while we studied George Washington and Mount Vernon.  

I either tie my studies to our geographic studies of the states or to our timeline studies when I am planning.  This extended study on George took place while we were studying VA (the week was                                              packed as there is SO much to look                                            at).

Moffat's friend, Zerah, gave him some royal treatment earlier in the winter and my kids truly enjoyed the photographs.  Mount Vernon continues to expand the visual choices for the virtual tour.  As it is impossible to actually take my students there, this offered a rather amazing substitute. They enjoyed having the ability to investigate rooms, rotate to see various angles and have more information available about the artifacts in the room.

Since I use an interdisciplinary approach in my classroom, drawing Mount Vernon using shapes seemed like such a natural crossover into math (we had been studying decomposing shapes in our math unit).  I am always amazed at what students can do if you have them follow you step by step.  All of the Mount Vernons had their own distinct look, but one could definitely tell which historic landmark had been drawn.  

I really enjoyed combining our books and research with Mount Vernon's online resources with our classroom art.  The students were completely engaged and my only regret was that I wanted more time!

If you have not seen the amazing Mount Vernon virtual tour, click the link below to see more!

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Mount Vernon Virtual Tour
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Moffat's Friend...Lennox

5/30/2015

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Moffat has been truly adopted by Lennox and his family.  He is very fortunate as his mom LOVES history and he and his family enjoy regular travel adventures to destinations of all kinds.  The photograph above is taken while exploring the Old Sheldon Church Ruins in South Carolina. When not traveling, Moffat enjoys hanging out with an Angry Bird, the Shelf Elf and Gonzo or playing with Legos. Thanks Lennox for all the fun!
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Happy Mother's Day with Martha Washington

5/10/2015

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Moffat was fortunate enough to visit Mount Vernon recently with Manager of Educational Resources and Outreach, Zerah Jakub.  On his tour, Moffat enjoyed some VIP treatment.  His photographs were an inspiration for my students to take a closer look at the architecture, gardens and fashion of the time.  Keep an eye out for upcoming posts inspired by his visit.  Please click on the link below to learn more about Martha from Mount Vernon.
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This video clip from Kids.gov, Martha speaks of her grandchildren, Nelly and  "Wash", the newest fashions of the time and the new treat called ice cream.  Click on the link below to learn more from Colonial Williamsburg about how to make ice cream.

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This past week, our fifth grade students were fortunate enough to spend the afternoon with Mike and Sharon Guli of Guli Productions.  Mike and Sharon are experts on period clothing and are captivating in the classroom with students presenting period dress and etiquette.  
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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 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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    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