newspaper topics

If you want to submit pictures to the School newspaper, these are the categories they want:

VAlentines day
BBAll
Mrs Jolley
Student Life
We are halfway through the year.

Also, the RAK week poster contest in due on the 17th of January.

Thanksgiving

Didn't know how to reach everyone to tell them "Happy Thanksgiving!"

Sorry it took so long

Now that my class is up and running I have some time to really think about what I want to do.
I plan on having a pioneer day for the class. we will make a day of pioneer crafts. each classroom on my team will offer students an activity that would be as the pioneer would do it. Butter making, leather crafts, pioneer games(marbles, jacobs ladder. etc.) quilting patterns, candlemaking etc.
We could even have half of the day be pioneer school day. i loved all the strategies that Tim gave us. I have already used the Ticket in and out strategy on the first day of school. i plan on using the
Alpha boxes for any of the units being taught. Even though i didn't really enjoy the learning logs, I will use them in my classroom because I think that I is a great way for students to collect their thoughts and really think about what they just read. i also talked to several of you about a pioneer simulation called Hacker trail. Here is the website for it. www.interactsimulation.com it costs 59.95 but well worth it. the other simulation that would be great as you study the setting up of a town and the government is called Homestead also 59.95. these are great simulations and the kids enjoy them so much... you all were a great bunch to be with on the trip. I enjoyed being with all of you and look forward to learning more from all of you as we go throughout the year. I hope we can continue to blog our ideas and sucesses with our curriculum in the classrooms.

Last the best of all the game!

Ok so I waited until last to submit my entry on purpose.... who am I kidding....I'm just naturally last! Can I just say how much I loved that trip!!! I learned a ton and feel like I am so much more connected to the overland trail. Thank you Gene, Val, and Tim!!! To illustrate my point I will expound a bit...so the Monday after our trip I decided to take a backpack trip with some friends and hike Kings Peak (the highest peak in Utah). When I reached the top it was amazing. I looked out over the endless valleys and then something caught my eye... it was the plateau with the windmills on it right next to Fort Bridger! So right there on the top of King's Peak I told my friends the story about the fires on the bluff during the Utah War etc. Needless to say I am already applying all the great stuff from our trip into my daily activities:)

Aside from that randomness I am planning on using a lot of the wonderful lesson plans I received from you all. The strategies that I liked the most were the picture quadrants and the bio cube. Also when I got to Cody I bought a book on the Lewis and Clark expedition and it has a bio of each member of the expedition. Some wonderful person on the buss suggested that I use it in a wax museum. This is such a great idea. I have never seen or participated in a wax museum and so I think it will be quite experimental the first time but has the potential to be a truly amazing experience for the students.

I just wanted to say how much I loved seeing all of these places that I have read so much about. It really was the ideal way to experience the mormon trail. So thank you to Larry H. Miller and Zions Bank for making this possible....and again thanks to Gene for all the amazing commentary... if I can remember even a quarter of the things you taught us I will look like a genius , Val for the great games of Golf... of which I am now addicted, and Tim for being a good sport when Jared and I soaked him on the top of Big Mountain! Thanks to all of you all for making me feel welcome and a part of the group... this was definitely a highlight of my summer!

It is time to stop Mosquito abating and get into school frame of mind!

I have to first thank Gene, Val, and Tim for the great experience. Don and I want to get people together and take them on this same trip and show them how "smart" we are because of what we learned. I have to say that I sure look up to Tim and his family for the thoughtfulness and love that they are portraying throughout their ordeal. Very Christlike.

My favorite part of the trip was the Guernsey Wagon Ruts. It really gave me a sense of that this all really happened and that it is not a bunch of stories. Seeing the ruts in the rock and the sides of the rock scraped away really put it all into perspective and realism for me.

It was a real treat for me to go on this trip with those that made it fun and interesting. Gene was a wealth of knowledge that I wish I could have right in my classroom at all times. Val was great for the accommodations and comic relief, and of course Tim with his ability to show us what a Master Teacher is like. Thanks!

I am going to use the information that I learned about and took pictures about to put into a PowerPoint presentation for the students. I will do the PowerPoint's according to a genre and help the students be able to have a topic to discuss and do some of their own research with Primary Documents and other things that I have. I am excited to teach Utah History this year!

PS Just so that everyone understands. I really do not work out and keep myself in shape. I ran up Independence Rock to say that I did it. I am glad that Pat was alright. I appreciated the clapping when I got on the bus, but I think that anyone would have done the same thing for anyone else. I just happened to be the first one up the hill. By the way, talking about Butts, I was really really sore from going up and all the way back down Big Mountain. I could hardly walk the next day.

Thanks for the friendships and the good memories it was a great trip.

Final Thoughts

For the past week I've been avoiding all thoughts of school, but now that I'm in the classroom setting up, I guess it's time to begin thinking about what this next year will bring (ha ha). It's always fun to reflect on the experiences, particularly when there's so much learning involved. Although I am not teaching Utah Studies this year (tear), I am teaming with the seventh grade teachers. While they present the history, I get to supplement their instruction with primary and secondary source documents, stories, and the texts that make up the Mormon Trail experience in the reading classes. By presenting the literary accounts of events, I want the students to feel empathy towards all the pioneers went through both on the trail and in settling Utah. I want to supplement each lesson with visuals (thank goodness for all those pictures) that show the terrain the pioneers came across, the food they had to eat, the wagons/handcarts they had to push, the experiences they had, etc. I'm thinking about starting with a gallery walk that allows the students to get an overview of important events, then we'll revisit their initial ideas as they progress through the material and compare/contrast their thoughts with actual events.

Overall, this experience helped me learn so much both in terms of content and instruction. It was a pleasure hearing your ideas, laughing with you, and sharing all those fun experiences. I feel like I have such support and an awesome collection of resources! I'll be looking for more ideas throughout this year, so keep 'em coming :)

Thanks for the memories

I hope am really not the last one to blog...that would be Cali's place!  I too am so fortunate to have gone on this amazing trip with such great professional teachers from around the state.  I learned so much from the social connections that made our evenings so full of adventure with the Purple Platypus, Larry the river coach, various shopping excursions, both good and bad food, hot tubs, hiking, very combative water fights, and the invaluable experience of winning at the card game of golf. Having the time to visit and build friendships helped me connect to those who had experienced months of traveling with a group of supportive and ever helpful friends who had traversed the trail over a century and a half ago.  

I am also very appreciative of the expertise of Gene, Val, and Tim.  Not only do they know how to take care of everyone's needs, especially breaks from bus fatigue, they instructed us with amazing information that cannot help but be influential in our daily teaching experiences.  I have never been so well taken care of on a trip and instructed about every hill, valley, rock, and animal, as I experienced on this trip.  Saying "Thank You" is just not about the words, it is about a heartfelt appreciation of a job well done!

I have already shared books and lessons received on this trip with other teachers.  I have begun teaching and plan to use several of the strategies.  The character map and bio-cube are ones that are easily adapted to second week instruction and throughout the year.  I was most impressed, personally with the primary source analysis and the quadrant for looking at a picture.  These strategies helped me see more deeply rather than a quick observance.  My perspective was reconstructed and more focused.  I thought they were profound ways to increase the use of primary sources in the classroom.

Again, I recognize what a privilege it was for me to be able to be part of this experience with all of you.  I hope we can reconnect again...and soon!  

THE TRIP

This trip was just amazing the people, food, people, places oh and did I say the people. You were all great and had a lot to offer me and my life. We started off as just a group of 29 teachers and by the end of the week we were very good friends. The experiences that I had will help me in my teaching for a lifetime. Tim the strategies that you gave were awesome and they will help me in teaching my students. Gene and Val thanks for all of the information and time that you took in our behalf.

I have already met with my 5th grade team to talk about what we can do to help our teaching units on Westward Expansion and also talked to the 4th grade about the different lesson plans and information that I got from all of you. My whole school will be better off because of all of you! I hope that you all have a great year. Please remember to not to work your "butts" off without remembering how much fun we had.

Happy New Year!!

I'm grateful for the opportunity to have gone on this trip as well. I was really touched by the sacrifices made by those that paved the way for us to enjoy this beautiful part of the country. Having Tim share the lost of his son helped me feel for those that lost children or loved ones along the way. Before they seem far away and detached, but as I grew to care for Tim I was affected by his grief. It made me stop and reflect how the loss of life along the trail must have affected the whole company. Thank you for sharing, Tim.
The way I'm going to implement my experience is to have the students in my class "travel the trail". Each student will draw a handcart and cut it out, then starting at Nauvoo they will move their handcarts across the wall passing different landmarks along the way. They will get to move their cart by exhibiting excellent behavior in the classroom, making progress toward a goal, reading a certain number of books, or whatever other criteria I choose. When events happen to them or they get to move I am going to have them read primary documents to learn more about the place or others that had similar experiences then have them write a journal entry. When the whole class has reached certain landmarks we will have a class activity. I'll teach them a square dance when they have all passed Independence Rock for example. If they receive a "refocus"(a behavior tracking program) then something happens in their cart like someone becomes ill or lose your cow. Then the next move they have to use it to fix the problem. Kind of like the old Oregon Trail game. I can use several of the strategies we learned to enhance the trip like the happiness scale. The boys don't like to dance so they might rate reaching Independence Rock as a bad thing. This is a year long thing I plan to do. I will use many of the site in the Emigrants Guide book. I think it will be fun.

Butt back to school

As I hurry and try to set up my classroom to meet parents tomorrow morning and start school on Thursday, I found myself upset about to much to do and to little time . Then I got Tim's email and told myself to buck up and get ready to do all of the lessons I got without having to get off the bus and all the strategies to add purpose to my teaching. I am going to start with admit and exit slips and a biopoem about themselves to get to know each other. My class will be building a handcart and doing some fun trek things to boot. Thanks Tim for making me do the learning logs---they were such a pain but it forced me to go deeper into Jeddy's story than just a quick read through and I'm going to make my kids do them in literature circles. I have to say you guys plan a great field trip and are welcome to St George anytime. I'm still thinking about the reunion---I'll geta back with everyone. I miss you guys, your all great traveling companions.

Back to WY I go!

Hello friends!

Sorry for the delay in the last entry. My family and I are up in Star Valley for a small family reunion. As we drove here, it was fun to share some of the things I learned along the Mormon trail as we passed familiar sites and roads. This seminar was the most beneficial I have attended all summer, and I felt so grateful that I could have had such an opportunity.

I know I was more on the quiet side of things, but I was so grateful for Tim, Val, and Gene. I learned so much, and I was a bit discouraged I couldn't retain the full 100% of it all. However, thank you all for your research presentations and lesson plans. I plan to use them, and build off of the amazing strategies Tim gave us. One strategy I plan to use is the Biopoem. There are so many influential trappers, explorers, and early settlers I want my students to investigate. I think this is one strategy that will help the students take the research to a more personal level, and help them feel more connected to people who lived so long ago.

Once again, thanks so much for allowing me to be a part of it all. I thought all of you are fabulous educators, and I learned so much by listening to all of you. Good luck with this next year!

The Best Experience Ever

Despite sporting 2 black eyes and a goose egg from my trip up Big Mountain , I have to say this was one of the best educational experiences I have ever had. You all made this trip so much fun. It was great to have Gene as our tour guide sharing with us all his knowledge as we traveled the trail. I enjoyed sharing ideas and interacting with all of you. Tim you are assume, your strategies will enhance my teaching. Val thanks for all you did to make this trip extraordinary.

I don't want to complain or anything but you all have created a load of work for me. With all of the lesson plans and strategies, I will need to revamp my whole Social Studies units. I expected this to be a great experience (which it was) but not create so much work. (joke) I am really looking forward to using alot of the ideas shared to make my lesson much more interesting for my students. There are quite a few strategies I want to use, but after complaning about there being no feelings in the journels I would like to use the happiness scale. I feel this strategy will open up a discussion when using source materials that will help the students realize the feelings and not just the events. Like most of you I really felt the pain and work the pioneers went through to give us this beautiful state. I thought of the accidents that the pioneers experienced each day. How many fell and hit their heads? Luckily I had my cooling scarf to immediately put on my head. What could the pioneers do? They had water but how cool was your water bottle half way up the mountain? These were just a few of the questions that came to mind after I tripped. I had been thinking about the big problems that faced the pioneers. I thought about the everyday happenings that they went through.

I hope we can keep blogging, I'd like to stay in touch with everyone. Thanks for all you have shared.

Tim, what is Mrs. Miller's address so I can send a letter. Also is this all we were required to do? Please email me and let me know if I am still missing anything. Thanks

Good food(?), good times, great friends!!

Wow!!! I can't believe the whole experience is really over! I was sad to leave you guys a little bit early on Saturday.

I wish so badly that I could have Joe fire up the bus and take my whole class on our trip. What a great learning experience for me. I had only been to Evanston and Fort Bridger before our trip. Many new sights and bits of information.

I am excited to take Tim's strategies back to use in my classroom. I really liked the classification idea. I think this can be used in any area of content. I also liked the 20 word summary. It makes you really have to think about the info to put it in such a small concise summary. Another favorite is the Happiness Scale. I think this is a great conversation starter for any teacher read that you may do. I was surprised that everyone didn't answer and think just like me. he he he jk I think it is a great tool.

Thanks for all the great ideas and even more for the wonderful relationships!!! I can't wait for the reunion trip!!! Miss you guys!!!

Mormon Flats

I think my favorite part of the trip was hiking from Mormon Flats to the top of Big Mountain. I can't believe that I have never hiked it before and it is in my own county!!! It really gave me an honest idea regarding what these amazing people actually went through. I mean, I felt like I could kind of comprehend the struggles. But when I actually hiked up the mountain thinking the whole time about being in dresses, traveling with wagons, clearing the trail, and dealing with snakes! ( I had two cross my path! Ewww!) What perseverance they had! I can't wait to figure out a way to get an extra field trip to take our students through Henefer and on the hike showing all the amazing history along the way! Cool, cool, cool!

I Miss You Guys!!

Hey Gang! I'm sure missing everyone and every experience we had last week! My husband and I went out to dinner last night to (finally) celebrate our anniversary and there was a group of people a few feet away discussing the Donner party, The Mormon Trail, and I even heard them mention Evanston. I WANTED SO BADLY to jump into their conversation and see what they knew and to share what I knew! But alas, I restrained!

This is my official "last post" but who knows...I just might have more to say at a later date!

As you all saw, (sorry...I tried to hide it behind sunglasses) I was very emotional throughout this experience; especially that last day. It started with the book at Martin's Cove being opened right up to my ancestor, Christina McNeil, and feeling her spirit with me all week long as we traveled in her footsteps. I felt as though on Monday, at Martin's Cove, she was saying to me, "I know you're here." Throughout the week, I felt her saying to me, "Look." (Like in Nephi's Dream.) And I looked and I've seen and had my heart touched. I've seen what it was like for them. I've felt the ruts, seen the trails and felt the spirit of my heritage. I gained a much deeper appreciation for the Restored Gospel of Jesus Christ and the sacrifice my ancestors made because they had courage and faith. What a gift we've been given! I hope to keep this feeling all the time! We might need to do a yearly trip together so I don't lose this feeling! :)

Tim's strategies were AWESOME! I loved them and plan on implementing ALL of them! My Mormon Trail Binder won't be far from my reach throughout the entire school year.
Off the top of my head, I plan on using the classification strategy for as many different subjects as I can come up with. I loved that this makes the student defend their thoughts.
I also really liked the summary in 20 words. Easy. Quick. Fabulous!
One of my favorite strategies was the happiness scale. How cool was that? I loved that it brought up issues and opinions for us to defend and discuss.

To conclude, I want EACH and EVERY ONE of you to know how much you mean to me. I loved that we didn't form little cliques. I loved that we felt comfortable around whomever we happened to be next to. I loved that we laughed and bonded and truly made lasting friendships.
I learned so much from you. Especially our wonderful mentor, Tim and our handsome, fearless leaders, Val and Gene. I look forward to seeing you at our reunion and anytime in between then!

With Much Love! God be with you till we meet again!
Hugs, Kim Almond :)

Fantastic Educational Experience!

The Mormon Trail trip was an incredible and fun trip. My eyes were opened to many things that I had not learned about the Mormon pioneers. I also enjoyed hearing and meeting with many other 4th grade teachers. I am grateful to those in the Larry H. Miller foundation for helping make this educational experience possible.

My highlight for the trip would have been the introduction of many new strategies. I am a second year teacher and these will come in very handy. One strategy that I really liked and will use (although many people complained) is the use of learning logs. The learning log worksheet helped me give a quick summary of what I have read and it was an easy reference to look back upon.

I hope to go on one of these trips again....

Have a great summer!!!

Cheers to a Great Trip!!!

Sasparillas at Old Fort Laramie

What a great trip! Not only did we learn a lot about the Mormon Trail, but we had a blast while doing it. There is a lot to be said about actually being there rather than just reading about it. It takes on a whole new meaning. I hope I can convey this to my students by sharing my experience and all the great pictures.

Hiking up to Big Mountain on the "Original Trail " was amazing! It was beautiful, but also made me realize even more of the obstacles that the Pioneers had to face. I tried to imagine what it would be like when the Pioneers reached the top and looked down into the Salt Lake Valley. It had to be a very emotional time for them. It was the end of their journey, but there was no time for rest as they worked to build a city for a new beginning. I would like to plan a field trip here and let my students hike this trail. I think it would also be an incredible experience for them as it was for me.

I am so thankful for all the knowledge I gained, friends I made, and memories that I will treasure for a lifetime. However, there is no place like home!

Thanks to everybody for a unforgettable experience!!!

Reminiscing

I was just looking at the other postings after posting my final entry. Looking at the group photo at the Buffalo Bill Historical Center has me thinking of you all. I feel very fortunate to have been given the opportunity to spend a week with such an outstanding group of individuals. I think now that the trip is over I am appreciating even more all that we were able to experience. I missed my family immensely but I'm grateful for this trip that was so educational and memorable. Thank you everyone for making it so fantastic!

Useful Strategies

I know for sure that I would like to use two of the strategies together for research projects I will have students do on either a pioneer, mountain man, or Native American. The bio poem and character map together will help students with this project and will help them connect with the person they decide to research and write about. Thank you Tim for putting together so many useful strategies for us to choose from.

Using What I've Learned

Hi all,
I finally got my suitcase unpacked this morning. I'm slow but sure. I realized I hadn't made a to-do list in six days. I now have about 25 things on my new list, and life goes on! I once heard a quote that said we should thank God every morning that we have something to do each day that must be done. Some days I'm better at that than others.

I want to thank all of you for the wonderful teachers you are, and for sharing your expertise and kindness with me. I learned much and hope to be able to apply it in my classroom. They say you usually only apply 5% of what you learn at these kind of things. I hope my percentage will be higher.

That brings me to the teaching strategy and how I'm going to use it in my classroom. It's hard to decide which one to share because I want to try them all. The reason they will be so beneficial is because they can be used in pretty much any curriculum area. I like the 20-word summary. I could use this in summarizing a story in reading, a science unit or lesson, a social studies unit or lesson, or a math lesson. Summarizing is such an essential skill in every area. When you have to stop and think about what you've learned and encapsulate it in 20 words, you really have to think and review what you know.

The alpha boxes are also very versatile. They too can be used in every major curriculum area. They would be good for group or individual discussion. It gives the students a way to go back over what they've learned and review.

The biopoem could be used for any person in history as well as any character in a book. For sure I'm going to use it at the beginning of the year as a way for the students to get to know each other.

Have a positive, productive year!

An empty suitcase and a full heart

This trip turned out to be so much more than an educational seminar for me. Thank you my wonderful history peeps for sharing your ideas, experiences and positive energy. I wish my students could have the same experience I just did. What an amazing way to connect to our past. The museum in Casper was one of my favorite things. Holy Cow...the handcart treadmill kicked my butt and gave me a new appreciation for what my ancestors did.

Martin's Cove gave me an insight about the children on the trail. My dad died when I was a little girl. That is why we moved to Utah. I connected to the children who had lost a parent on the trail. They would move on and do their best to keep up but they were still kids. I'm sure we have all seen this in the classroom as well. They can put on a tough front and act like everything is fine but what they really need is a hug. Children are so resilient.

Ft. Laramie had such a feeling about it. I thought about all that had happened there and could imagine all the different groups of people who had passed through. Their experiences left an indelible mark on the place.

Well y'all have a great start to the school year. You are all awesome!

Historical Sites

This trip was totally awesome! I will apply again next year and pray that I am as lucky as Natalie. This was my second time to the National Historical Trails Museum and it was just as great! There is so much to offer at this museum. I wish Utah had one like it. The pictures that everyone took will be great help in making a powerpoint Presentation for next school year. I plan on using the snowball strategy for the Rendezvous. I will use it during our discussion then again as an evaluation after our school rendezvous.

I need to find out how to get Inspiration software for my class and want to incorporate the T4 website.

Tim you have wonderful ideas and great strategies for teaching. I feel that I will be a better teacher because of you! Gene and Val added so much knowledge and fun. Thanks for letting me play golf with you all. I hope to have my family play this game! Look forward to seeing you all again soon. Have an awesome school year!!! Let's keep in touch!

We Are Home

I don't know whether to be happy or sad. It feels so good to be home with the family, but I can't stop thinking about the trip. Part of my heart and mind is still on the prairies of Wyoming. I really loved this trip a lot. I miss you all so much. It was a great opportunity to get to know you and associate with you. Your friendship and kindness was so appreciated.

I loved our hike today. I loved the beauty of the mountain and the rich history as I climbed. What a huge mountain to have to go over before entering the Salt Lake Valley. This whole trip has been such a valuable resource. I got a whole lot for my 5th grade curriculum, but I am saddened that I won't be teaching the Utah history as much. The story of the Mormon pioneers is so dear to my heart. These stories can tell so much and teach so much. We shouldn't ever neglect history and lessons learned. I hope that I can maintain the passion and desire I feel right now while teaching and that my students will feel that same passion.

Tim asked us to Post one idea that we thought that we would use specifically in the classroom. There are many that I am very excited to use. I was very impressed with the bio poems. I hope to teach them to do these early in the year so that I can use them frequently to describe different key characters in American History. I also want to use admit/exit slips with my students. It is so important to give the kids time to process what they have learned and revisit it when they are done. This is a great way to do that. It also gives me invaluable feedback. Thanks Tim for these strategies. Thanks to everyone else for the good time!

Thanks Everyone!

Tim asked us to do a final blog post. Thanks to everyone, the leaders and participants, for helping to make this past week so worthwhile. I will never look at or read about the Mormon Trail in the same way.

As far as a strategy that I plan to use, it was hard to decide from all of the good ones we received. I definitely plan to use the analysis of primary documents that we did with the Pony Express document and the Cove Fort photograph. The forms would also work well with the well-known photograph of the signing of the Declaration of Independence for the 5th grade U.S. history core, and the Mayflower Compact.

I also really liked the compacted version of Alpha Boxes. That could be used with many of the papers that everyone prepared for this seminar, as well as with just about any social studies or science unit.

A Fulfilling Experience

This past week has been an incredible experience! I feel privileged to have learned from each and everyone of you, and am excited to use your lesson plans in my own class. Although I will not be teaching Utah Studies this next year, I can manipulate a lot of the ideas to use with my students. The nice part about teaching reading is that it incorporates the integration of all content areas. I believe it is invaluable to review past material, use reading/literacy strategies, and build on students' background knowledge.

Again, thank you all for making this experience such a special one. I have loved your company, your willingness to share your ideas, pictures, and lessons. On to Big Mountain!!

A picture is worth a thousand words!

I am so excited to have a bunch of your photos to share with my classes. Thank you to everyone! Can I just say that this trip has been so educational. First off the readings, the reports/lesson plans, comments from our fearless leaders, and teaching strategies greatly enhanced my knowledge of this topic. Aside from those things... just being on the trail and experiencing it for myself first hand has really taught me more than any book I have read.

I really enjoyed the Photo Analysis Strategy that we leaned in the bus. I think that the photos from this trip are going to enhance our teaching so much. After seeing things like South Pass, Independence Rock, Fort Bridger, Devil's Gate, the ruts, Fort Laramie etc, my idea of the Mormon Trail is so much more clear. All I can say is that now I know the meaning of the prhase...a picture is worth a thousand words.

The Trip

This week has just been amazing!! We have spent a week in a bus doing what it took the pioneers months to do. The places that we have seen have made all of the stories of the past come to life. Beginning with Fort Bridger, Martin's Cove, Independence Rock, The Guernesy Wagon Ruts, the museums and ending with South Pass. The stories and information that we have learned this week will help us bring history alive in our classrooms. Not to mention all of the friendships that we have made. They say that a picture is worth 1000 words and this week we have taken a million words worth of pictures. Thanks for the fun. Debbie Draper

What a Trip!

I have enjoyed this opportunity of actually learning history on this trip. I pictured everything so different from what it really is. I have never been this far north before nor this far east (except for the florida airport, but I didnt seen anything) thanks Gene, Val and Tim. I enjoyed tapping into your knowledge about my pioneer ancestors and being with a crazy group of people that have a love of history. South Pass was not what I expected. I thought it would be more like the Devil's Gate pictures. I bet the pioneers were happy that it wasn't. Can't wait for tomorrows activities. Julie

Good times on the bus!

Wow... South Pass was so different than I had imagined. I always thought that it was in the mountains and what not and then when I actually saw the pass and how it was in such an open area I was astounded. I also really enjoyed the topics we discussed on the bus today. It is really refreshing to hear an expert give knowledge on topics that are usually very one sided or biased. I have also herd from outside sources that the book The Massacre at Mountain Meadows is worth the read and is very well done. I am interested to read it.

Speaking of reading I would love to know what books you all bought on this trip and what you think about them... and books you already have read or use in your lesson preparation or for the students or just for personal knowledge. There are just so many books out there and I don't seem to have the time to read them all so I would love to refine my search for useful books.

Our Travels

The museum in Cody was so big and full of information. The Teacher Trunks were awesome! I can't wait to check out the one on Mountain Men. I am sure my students will love it. It is really neat that they offer that to teachers.

I really appreciate all of the learning strategies that Tim gave us. I love that they are useful in all subjects and help to integrate. All of the reports and lesson plans are great, thanks everyone!!

Finally!

So...I finally succumbed to using another computer to do this blog thing. I've come to find out that technology is either your friend or your enemy. This trip... it has seemed to become my enemy. Anyways, I can't believe how fast this week has gone! I have had such a blast, and I feel so excited to get back and teach Utah history. As a first year teacher, I felt so unequipped to teach the subject. This has clarified so many of my misconceptions and understanding of the topic.

As Gene spoke today about the Mountain Meadow Massacre, it made me think about how history really is so subjective. As he listed all the different authors about the topic, it reminded me that history is what it is by the people who write it. I think it is equally important to be informed about historical events, but equally important to be aware of the sources and their motivation behind the writing.

South Pass

South Pass was very different from what I expected. I expected a narrow pass instead of rolling hills. I have really enjoyed the strategies that Tim has taught us. They are useful from the day school starts, not only in History but in everything. Thanks Tim! All of the lectures have been very interesting and informative. It has been a great trip1

It's Been Real!

It was interesting today to see the route over South Pass and see where the pioneers crossed the Green River, as well as where meetings took place with Sam Brannan and Jim Bridger. I also learned from Gene's commentary on polygamy and the Mountain Meadows Massacre. I think I would like to read the Walker book.

It has been great fun to meet all of you and enjoy this learning experience on the Mormon Trail. Thanks to our 3 fearless leaders for making this such a worthwhile experience. It's the big hike tomorrow!

The Spirit at South Pass

At South Pass I could imagine all the wagons coming over the hill. I felt like I could almost see them. I love the spirit at so many of these places. It's like they're still there helping us to never forget them and what they did. I wondered if the wind blowing in their ears drove them crazy, or if they got used to it after a while. I also wondered if they thought the journey would never end as I did on the bus today!

south Pass

I really loved South Pass today. I have wanted to go there since 5th grade. I always loved reading about the mountain men and pioneers and south pass was in all the stories. I also loved Gene's lectures this afternoon about polygamy and the Mountain Meadow massacre. It is hard to find someone that really knows what they are talking about. I took notes and will keep them. I look forward to tomorrow when we hike big mountain.

Bus Ride

Buses and cars put me to sleep. I blame it on my mom, she trained me young. Anyway, I admit it I dozed during part of Gene's talk. I would like to state, here and now--I tried really hard not to sleep because I wanted to hear about blood atonement andthe MMM. Thank you to all who asked questions because it helped fill in the blanks. Gene I appreciate all you have done to make this trip so informative. Tim thanks for the strategies and how you use them. I will be using them. Val you found some good hotels, thank you. I have really appreciated this trip.

South Pass was not what I expected. I pictured like other passes not gently rolling hills. Thanks for the visual so that I can explain it correctly to my students.

I'm sorry the trip will be over tomorrow but I have some good information and materials to share with my kids. I will send the words and calls to anyone who wants to know how to teach the Virginia Reel and Oh, Jo hnny, Oh.

South Pass

What a drive! The stop at South Pass was very interesting. Standing there you can see why they followed the root they did. I never pictured it like that! I want to thank Tim for all the strategies he share with us as well they are at the classroom level and really helped me to see how to apply some new ideas. The discussions today were interesting as well most of the information I had heard before, but it was interesting to hear several different view points.

South Pass

What an eye opener for me today. I always pictured South Pass as a valley in the mountain and not such a gradual slope. It was good to see the pass and to see the whole valley for that clarification. Thanks also to Gene for the discussions on Polygamy, The Mountain Meadows Massacre, and Blood Atonement. I was the one who brought up the Polygamy question when I read it in Mormon Thunder. Thanks Gene!

Teaching Moments

Those early morning wake up moments are always a little challenging for me,  but after we took our group picture and sat down to the display of educational trunks and the brief introduction of facts about the museum, I was wide awake and ready for adventure.  The availability of materials for teachers was amazing and so appropriate. I hope we can coordinate some efforts and use them in our classrooms.  Having time to finish our expedition around the museum and sitting down with a drink (diet cokes and Italian sodas) to philosophize about various teaching viewpoints, filled up the morning quite nicely.  

The afternoon extravaganza on the river...well...a different sphere of knowledge, but knowledge nonetheless... 

Natural History Museum Part II

I too had a great time at the Natural History Museum. Now the challenge will be the time to take all those pictures and put them out so that they are assessable to my students and arrange them appropriately.

Natural History Museum

My favorite thing today was the Natural History Museum. I was able to take some awesome pictures of so many animals that live in our area. That was an excellent opportunity. The other realization I came to today is that even though Buffalo Bill accomplished some amazing things in his early life, he was an entertainer. I thought most of his fame came from his work as a hunter, but far more reaching was his show that spread the fame of the American West. I feel that it was because of the exposure that he brought to the west that made Easterners think that the west was a wild place. He painted a great picture that became the Hollywood West.

I Feel Funny...ha ha

I have to concur with my fellow participants in saying that this has been an amazing experience. I have loved being able to discuss ideas for lesson plans and brainstorm ideas for making these lessons really come to life for the students. It is wonderful having a conglomerate of professionals to pull ideas from (and have a lot of fun with).

My favorite part of today (besides rafting of course) was walking around the garden area at the Buffalo Bill center and viewing the Plains Museum. It was incredible being able to see the different Native American houses, as well as experience what it was like inside a Hidatsa dwelling. I loved the incredible sculptures outside in the gardens, particularly the structure of Sacagawea. Being able to learn about her life, in preparation for my report, really has increased my interest in learning even more about her. I think it's wonderful when we give our students a "taste" of a concept that inspires them to take it even further.

Thanks all for all the fun!!

Nat

Mustangs!!!!

I really wanted to go on the river rafting trip today, but when I heard about the mustangs I couldn't resist. We were told to stay 500 feet away from the horses, but someone forgot to tell them. As we were standing on the ridge looking at a herd of about 45, 3 young stallions got curious about the animals that were clicking. They came to check us out and stood about 30 feet away. It was awesome. We also saw a 3 day old foal. It was rearing and galluping. I can't believe how strong it was being so young. I also didn't know we would be hiking on this van trip, so I came a sole away from knowing how it felt to hike barefoot in them thar hills. Between this trip and the museum it has been a great day. Thank you Larry H. Miller Group!!!!!!!!!!!!

Museum Part 2

I thought that the education program this morning was very worthwhile. I found the adaptations part especially useful, since that is one of our science units in the 5th grade core. I think it would be good to integrate some science stuff into a study of westward expansion and the Mormon Trail. When we study Lewis and Clark in my class, I have my students do an "exploration" of either their back yard or a park, if they don't have a yard. They describe and draw what they see and also do a leaf rubbing. I show them a sample of Lewis's journal where he sketched some of the animals he saw.

The firearms section of the museum reminded me how interested the boys are in weapons, and someone always chooses the weapons report when I divide my kids up to report on different aspects of the westward movement. The display in the museum was amazing; I'm rather illiterate when it comes to firearms, but if my brothers were along, we would be in that section of the museum until Christmas while they described the history and characteristics of every gun there. The museum was great, and too much to completely absorb.

Being There!!!

I have loved the trip so far!!! I am totally a hands-on-learner and actually seeing and being in the places that I have read about make it more meaningful. However, I still can't even imagine being a pioneer and making the trek out west. Being at the Guernsey Wagon Ruts was awesome!!! It really made me stop and think about the day to day trials they had to face. My appreciation to the pioneers has become much deeper, I truly admire them.

Working while having a GREAT time!

Who knew that learning and working could be so fun? Thank you SO much to the Larry Miller Group for giving us this gift! What a memorable experience! I've been to many, many classes during my career, but I've never had one where I felt so much like a sponge; soaking up so many fascinating things while having the time of my life!!
Not only am I gleaning so much knowledge from the different sites, readings and strategies but I'm learning SO much from the professionals I am surrounded by! What a great group!
I wanted to comment a little about the conversation about the trials of the pioneers had while crossing the plains. I'm so grateful to Tim for sharing with us his experience from losing his son. I strongly believe that we too are just as strong and tough as the pioneers. Our trials are just sometimes different, yet hard too. That's why we're here. To be tried.
Thanks for being such a great group of lifelong learners! I've learned so much from you! :)

Working while having a

Museums and New Friends

I loved the Museum today, but I also loved the chance to have a little down time to talk with new friends and get new ideas. I can't wait to order a trunk and have fun letting my class experience history the way I have this week. And lets not forget the little trip down the river........who knew a field trip could be so entertaining. Thanks for the good time

Lewis and Clark

The Lewis and Clark wing of the museum today was incredible. The artistic representation of the events that they endured really brought the expedition to life. My favorite pictures were the ones with the white background. I also learned that Captain Clark called an antelope a goat. This may be why some people think they are related to the goat.

Lewis and Clark paintings

I was very inspired by the Lewis and Clark paintings. I made a second visit today right before the bus came to pick us up. I had time to spend some time alone just reading and absorbing the feeling of what happened. It was very personal and motivating. I want to learn more about this historic voyage and what occured during their trek. The artist did such a good job. I so wish that I had that type of talent. I would love to go and paint pictures of such beauty and magnitude. I even went and splurged and bought the book from the bookstore that had all of the paintings and descriptions underneath it. I don't know if I dare let my students use that one. I will be very special to me.

Better late than never!

Sorry that this entry is a bit late.... but that seems to be my lot in life as of late. I just wanted to comment on Independence Rock. I absolutely loved it! I can't even describe in words how cool I thought it was to walk where all of the westward travelers walked. It is amazing how much more incite you get by actually seeing the places that you teach about. I had seen pictures of Devil's Gate and Independence Rock and other various land marks but to see them in real life gives you a feeling unlike any other. Also thanks to all of you on the trip... this has been so fun!!!

Confidentiality

After traveling along the plains for several hours today and stopping at the wonderful mural and visiting with Bill Cody and his lovely assistant Annie, it was nice to return back to the long house and before retiring for bed, having a rousing game of cards that sets the heart a-racing and having conversations that include a myriad  of tales that can only be repeated...well...probably not repeated.  What's said at the card table...stays at the card table.

So far.....

I have enjoyed the trip overall so far. Of course, some parts have been more interesting to me than other parts. I enjoyed climbing to the top of Independence Rock. It was fun to be up so high. I can just imagine what the pioneer mothers were thinking about their kids being on it. In the present time, I would have been nervous if my own children were on it. That is even knowing that we have medical insurance and a vehicle to ride in to the closest hospital. Had I been a pioneer mother, I would have been a nervous wreck that someone could have gotten seriously hurt, and then what would you do??? No 911!!!

It has been so fun meeting all of these new people! Who knew what fun all of us dorky teachers could have!

I am looking forward to seeing South Pass later this week!

Extraordinary

Howdy Pardners!
Even though I'm totally a city girl, I've always been fascinated by Buffalo Bill Cody, Annie Oakley, and the whole Wild West Show thing. I love that Buffalo Bill took an idea and made it something legendary. I admire imagination and creativity. I also admire talent and skill. He and Annie both did things extraordinarily well. I've always dreamed of having my own school where I could do whatever I wanted and not have to answer to anyone. Now that would be extraordinary!!!

Buffalo Bill

I really enjoyed the enactment of Buffalo Bill at the museum. It was very realistic and interesting.
Going back to Mormon Thunder, I really got a different perspective on Jeddy. He was really insistent on cleanliness. Does anyone know if this was revelation or just his idiosyncrasy on cleanliness? I was suprised that some of you thought he was rough. I felt he was brusque but only out of great love for the people. I believe he wanted them to exalt the religion and reach their glory. So he called a spade a spade.

Swimming

So how many of you attempted to swim tonight? It was a little brisk. Thanks Pat for doing water aerobics with me! I loved the Buffalo Bill Museum. I had a great time with my new friends! See you in the morning!

The Buffalo Bill Museum

Wow! I think you could spend a week in the museum and not see it all. I spent most of my time today in the gun area. It was unbelievable! I really enjoyed the muzzle loading guns that had the huge barrel circumference. It was interesting to read about the different gun makers and see their different ideas. My favorite is the Browning Models. John Browning was an original Mormon Pioneer. His son continued in his work after they settled in Ogden. It was als0 fun to see some of the record animals that were in the game area.

Great Trip!

This has been a great trip! All of the people have been so fun to be with. Who would ever think that you could go on a trip with all strangers(some stranger than others) and have such a good time. I really loved the feel of Martin's Cove and Independence Rock. The ruts were one of my favorite things to see, so different than just looking at a picture. The reports have been very enjoyable to listen to, and the strategies very useful. The museum in Cody is an amazing museum, a lot to see there. Looking forward to tomorrow, the museum and the river trip.

Independance Rock

I loved being able to climb to the top of Independance Rock! It gave me an idea of the landscape of the whole area. I can see why it was a place of celebration. After weeks and weeks of crossing sagebrush flats it rises up and would give you something to look forward to. I can imagine the dances and parties they would have. Our own group even kicked up our heels, did some cartwheels, and threw some cameras around. The place can really lift your spirits!

Prayer Rock

Today I really liked the story I learned at the church in Cody. It dealt with the Mormon Immigrants who were building their 37 mile canal. They came to a point where there was a huge rock and they didn't know how to remove it. The leader prayed about it and upon finishing prophesied that the rock would be taken care of within 24 hours. The next day around 3:00 he told his men to get out of the canal. As soon as everyone had left the rock split on it's own and they were able to remove. Wow. I have also really enjoyed seeing the scenery change from the high plains to the Wind River Mountain Range. I love mountains.

J. Grant

I was really touched by the story of how Grant went back for his daughter's body only to find it was no longer there. It must have been a very difficult time in his life. As we did the "Happiness Scale" today it made me realize that his arrival into the Salt Lake Valley was not a very happy time in his life.

Impressions so Far

This trip has been an amazing experience thus far. Each day I am impressed with the amount of trials that the pioneers overcame in order to set-up a new life out west. The spots that stand out thus far for me include Martin's Cove and Independence Rock. I didn't know much about the Willie-Martin Handcart Company, thus hearing the story of such tragedy really showed the amount of fortitude people had back then.

At Independence Rock someone made the comment regarding the number of people that stood where we stood overlooking the plains. It's really neat to live in someone's shoes, even if its through virtual means and imagination. I hope to bring this same awareness to my students in my classroom.

Signing off! Bring on GOLF!!

Museum

I came to the Buffalo Bill museum many years ago, but it has expanded a lot since I was last here. This would be a great place to bring kids. How about a field trip? I'd pass on the long bus ride. . . I learned a lot of things about B. Bill that I didn't know before, such as his young age when he became a Pony Express rider. The displays were interesting - just the right amount of information.

I also visited the Natural History museum part, and enjoyed it very much. The displays were informative, and the bird sounds added to the experience. I look forward to the Plains Indians and western art sections tomorrow.

Cody's Visitor Center

I sure felt at home in the gun museum today. I could have spent another couple of hours in there and I already spent 1.5! This is a great museum. It has changed since I was here 20 years ago. I also enjoyed the Indian exhibits there are some intricate bead work in there.

Fun at Cody WY

Today we left Casper WY, and moved on into Cody WY. First we took a short tour at the local Cody WY LDS Murals. We then spent a couple hours in the Buffalo Bill Historical Center. This is a museum in Cody WY that has may different sections relating to the west. I toured some of the gardens, the guns, and the natural history museum. I loved reading and spending time in the natural history museum. It was full of information on local plants, animals, and geology.

The attached picture is of Buffalo Bill's childhood home.

I had a couple of people ask me about the "Prayer Rock" as discussed at the LDS Murals. (This was a major part of building the Sidon Canal that was mentioned in my report.) Following is a site where you can read about "prayer rock"and more about Mormon expansion into the west.

http://www.lds.org/ldsorg/v/index.jsp?hideNav=1&locale=0&sourceId=a833615b01a6b010VgnVCM1000004d82620a____&vgnextoid=2354fccf2b7db010VgnVCM1000004d82620aRCRD

Seeing is not only believing...it is knowing

Thanks to Pat & Abe who have the techno savvy to upload those wonderful pictures with their postings.  The pictures not only hold the events of a historical past but now have a current present-day meaningful insight for each of us.  The past met the present in a unique sharing of knowledge that was individual for me as well as a shared experience among us all.  We may hear stories and tales about the overland trip but some things are learned by sight and touch without a word uttered.  Today, it was the seeing that had the most profound effect on my understanding.     

Fort Laramie

Being an Air Force brat, I felt very comfortable at Fort Lamarie. I recognized what the buildings were and how they were used from seeing the comtemporary ones. I also have been hooked on American history for a 100 years (Yeah, I'm really that old. Don't I look great.) I have read and seen a lot about the services. I really enjoyed seeing what a fort in the 1800's actually looed like. Pat

Gurney Ruts taken by Jared Chaira

Here is a picture of the Gurney Ruts.

What an awesome day 2

Today we enjoyed looking at some old army ruins and then some of the old trails markings left in the side of a mountain. I got some great idea's on where to bring my family on a vacation and some good ideas for teaching about Mormon History in the classroom. Thanks to everyone for all of their great lessons and for sharing their thoughts!

Highlight

My favorite thing (like most of yours) was going to visit the ruts. I had seen pictures of them many times before, but it was very cool to be there in person and actually see how deep they are. I'm glad that they are in a location where people can come and experience them. In my opinion, there is something extra special about going to locations and seeing the "real thing" versus something that is rebuilt, relocated, or reconstructed (even though the latter three have their place in helping us visualize what things might have been like).

I would like to have seen what the terrain was like 150 years ago that would concentrate so many wagons into such a narrow little spot. It seems like there is plenty of room now for wagons to travel many different ways, but it was mentioned that there were lots of marshy areas near the river (great for birds, bad for wagons), and I wonder if the river has varied its course since the 1840's. Anyway, it was fun to be there.

I was kind of surprised at Ft. Laramie. For as much history and lore as it has, it seemed rather. . . sparse. I didn't realize that anything there that would date back to the early Mormon Trail era is gone. I walked down to see where the old fort would have been, and that was nice. And yellow-shafted flickers, house wrens, and western wood pewees found me. Since Lewis and Clark were discussed today, I'm sure many of you know that Lewis and Clark each have a bird named after them - the Lewis's woodpecker and the Clark's nutcracker. Go to Google Images if you want to see what they look like.

Guernsey Wagon Ruts

Today helped me feel like I could really understand the pioneers. I can feel a little bit when I am on an old dirt road but seeing those wagon ruts really brought it home for me. It was a great experience.

Here is a good website for all of us:

http://uintahbasintah.org/toolkit.htm

Richard

What a great day

Other than bus butt, it was a good day. I learned about why Independence Rock was named, I often wondered. It was a great day and I finally got to go and see Harry Potter!

Neat to be here

Like others have said, you can read about places forever, but nothing compares with being on site. I really enjoyed experiencing Martin's Cove, Devil's Gate, and Independence Rock. Very cool. I'm also amazed at the vast knowledge that our fearless leaders have. It's fun to learn all of this new stuff and think about how to present it to kids. And thanks to all of the pronghorn spotters! :-)

It's so much better in person...

What a cool first day. You all are a great group of people to learn with! I've heard about these places all my life(Independence Rock, Sweetwater River, Martin's Cove) and I finally got to see them. I can hardly wait to show my students the pictures I took. Yea!

It's so much better in person...

wow! Today i actually walked where my great grandfather walked. this is an odd feedling. Some of the sites we saw today were very different than I had pictured in my mind. I have seen pictures of some of the places, but the actual places are so much better. I'm looking forward to tomorrow and what we will learn. Julie

First Day Great Day

What an awesome beginning! Pat thought Independence Rock was awesome. She has read a lot about it but now she has had first hand experience. Chris is grateful that there were no rattlesnakes in view! Looking forward to a great steak tonight. We can't wait to see the museum in the morning. Enjoy your evening in Casper!!!

1st Day

I really enjoyed the first day! I have enjoyed the different lessons as well as the places we have visited. I was impressed with Martin's Cove and Devil's Gate. I plan to bring my family up soon. I also enjoyed hiking Independence Rock. Oddly enough the thing I have enjoyed the most today is learning some of the different teaching strategies. I can't wait to get back to use them in the classroom!

What a great day!

Let's get this party started

Julie and I are in our hotel room and ready to roll early in the morning---we hope you all have a sense of humor cause we plan on laughing our guts out and having a great time. I finally got my picture to post so I'm sure we're ready to roll.. Sleep tight. Love, kara and julie

Wagons ho... lets go!!

So it feels like I have been reading a lot lately. Between reading the books for this trip and the research I have been doing I feel like I have become so much closer to the people that took this epic journey across the west. I really have to say that I admire those who came before and founded this state. They endured so much and didn't have so many of the luxuries of life that we enjoy every day. I just think its amazing that they set up cities and made things happen. I think its a shame that Jedediah Grant died so young in life. It would have been great to see what he could have done with his life if he had had more time. I think that we needed men like Jed and Brigham Young that were out there doing things. They were not passive in anything they did and although that approach would definitely not work today I can see how it was a needed and useful attribute to have back then. Im so stoked to actually see the sites that I have read and taught about... and to meet all of you!

Jed... a man to be admired.

I've noticed that with the holiday weekend a lot of people have been talking about the settling of Utah and such. Today I heard someone telling the story of Jedediah crossing the plains with his wife/ taking her to the valley to burry her/going back to get his daughter that he had buried a bit earlier etc. I was caught off guard because I wasn't listening when the person started the story and didn't hear them mention Jed's name and I started to recognize the story and thought... oh wait I totally know this guy. Even though a lot of people have commented about how "intense" Jed was about his religion I have to give him props. I really think that people that are commitment to a cause or a religion or anything at all, to the extent that Jedediah Morgan Grant was, is rare and to be admired. The guy was proactive. There are so many people today that aren't committed to anything. Some people can't even give you a definite answer if they are going to show up to a party or the movies and such. I just think that although he had his faults- he was committed and if he said he would do something you could count on him. If there is one thing I can apply in my life from reading this book its to be more committed and there for people.

I agree...

I will agree with the previous comment on the Emigrants' guide- it does seem like more of a reference type of book and not such a sit down and read for enjoyment kind of book. I liked the book but I don't think I wouldn't recommend it only because I found something to compare it with. While I was doing my research for my topic (The California Trail) I came across a really great resource that is similar to the Emigrants' guide but in my opinion much better. It is called The California Trail Yesterday and Today by William E. Hill. It cover's much of the trail that everyone used and has really great drawings from the early travelers as well as great photos now at the same angles. I was just really impressed with it however it doesn't specifically cover from Fort Bridger to the Salt Lake Valley. So I guess the Emigrants' Guide stands as a solid resource covering that specific area of the Mormon trail.

The Emigrants Guide

I enjoyed all the new places this book introduces. I hope we get to see some of these sights so they become more real. This book was hard to read cover to cover. It is more like an encyclopedia of places and event along the trail. I'm glad we are taking it with us so as we visit these places I can review the information in the book and bring so much more insight to the locations.

JG Jibber Jabber

I like JG's audacious speeches and letter writings.  His unique use of the language makes me wonder from what books he received his education.  A favorite passage that may come in handy for me someday is his reference to the Upas tree.  I had to look up on google to find out what a Upas tree actually was and where it grew...(not in North American apparently) but I think we ought to consider certain graves to plant it over in order to facilitate a permanent delay of resurrection as JG suggested (p. 136 & 150) for the runaway judges.  

Also, in the second letter to the New York Herald, I found his characterization of Brigham Young (p. 409) to be flattering and a bit whimsical.  After stating that Brigham is a great judge, and nice person, and a lover of "all the best music that a heart can invent."  JG goes on to say, "But he has no mind for some kinds of niffy naffy finical whilly whaing."  I am not really sure that is English but it may be the influence Lewis Carroll needed for "Jabberwockey" in 1871.

Ready or Not...

I'm so excited to be going on this trip Monday morning! It's been a little tough for me to get through these books, not that I didn't find them interesting, just tough! I've learned so many new things already and I am certain that as we "sit at the feet" of those who have researched and dedicated so much of their lives to learning so much about our early Saints, we will be filled to overflowing!
Hip Hip HOORAY! Bring on the Mormon Trail! See ya bright and early Monday morning...ok...maybe not so bright! :)
~Kim Almond

Emigrants' Guide

I finished reading the Emigrants' Guide today after trying to read parts of it simultaneously with Mormon Thunder. That didn't work so well! But I have read the entire book now.

I found the pictures very interesting. Especially when there were "then and now" photos. I am looking forward to driving through Echo Canyon again so I can look for some of the rock formations. I guess I haven't realized the significance of the area when I have driven through it hundreds of times before. I can't wait to take my teenagers on a little drive and offer some small history lessons. They love when we do that!! he he he

My husband and I are wondering if the Heiner Canyon in the book is the same Heiner Canyon that his ancestors would hide out in when the government was out rounding up polygamists. He has relatives that are Heiners.

All in all, it was quite interesting to read and learn more about Utah's history.

See you in a couple of days!!

Let's figure this one out...

As I finished the requirements for this seminar I realized there wasn't a whole lot of information about the trail itself or it's daily life. Jedediah Grant was an interesting character and probably one I'd stay away as far as possbile. Dr Sessions (yep I'll use that title as well) did a spectacular job with research. I think it'd be very hard to immerse oneself in the character, such as Jeddy, as this type of book requires. Props to him!

I would love to hear what type of resources you all use in your classroom to teach this topic. I believe it would be very beneficial to all of us to see what types of resources are out there. Let's create an annotated bibliography for us to take back to our classes and schools. As we are out on the trail and ideas come to us about resources we use, let's complile them. I'd be happy to do all the compiling and get a copy to you all before school starts. What do you all think?

Here's some of the resources I use to get us going...We Were There, Too! Young People in US History by Phillip Hoose "Mary Goble: Walking to Zion" pgs 138-143. A great primary source story the kids can read. Charlotte's Rose by A E Cannon This young adult novel defintely is for a mormon audience but parts can be used to build background knowledge. The Gathering of Zion...The Story of the Mormon Trail by Wallace Stegner One of Stegner's best. It paints a great picture of trail life. A Mormon Mother by Annie Clark Tanner One of the most honest books about polygamy out there. Interesting fact-this is OC Tanner's mother.

I'm looking forward to meeting all of you soon. Have a great couple of days...

Quite the strong personallity

I was rather shocked by some of the firmness of JG's attitudes and comments. I think that I kind of understand. To be in the middle of creating a new society based on a religion and so far from anything, the people needed to be strong in their faith. JG could see that they were starting to waiver and that this shacky faith would not be a good foundation to build Zion upon. However there were a few points where he went a little over board.

Misigination was one of those. Take an idian wife to improve the indian people, and if your current wife does not like it she can go. I understand that women were viewed as little more than property at times, but is there no real feelings for his four wives. I think that he did, but these are mighty harsh words.

I really appreciated learning of JG. I knew some of Kimbal, and it was good to learn of the other member of the presidency. It sheds more light onto the way things were being run and handled in the valley as the Church was getting established. I am very excited to be leaving Monday for Wyoming. Oh yea, thanks for the directions to the parking lot.

When in doubt... go with the Emigrant's Guide

So this is kind of random but I thought I would share my discoveries with you all. I was just reading the Emigrant's Guide and came across a photo that I had seen before. It is the photo on page 120 with a log cabin and a family out front. It says that this photo is taken in Echo city, which I did not know existed and think is kind of cool; however, this same photo appears in the Utah history text book, Utah a Journey of Discovery by Richard Neitzel Holzapfel page 144. I know that some of you may use this same text book and find this interesting. The part that annoys me is that in the text book it says that this photo is taken in Kaysville and that two of the women in it are the photographer's wife and friend. So I looked in the back of the book to find out who the photographer was and I can't find anyone listed for that photo. In the Emigrant's Guide it says that the photo is taken by A.J. Russell and that the photo is of the Ashton family of Echo, Utah. I think I'm going to go with the Emigrant's Guide on this one.

No Friendly Persuasion...just dominating dogma

I appreciate the fact that Gene Sessions was able to research and gain access to the personal writings of JG.  I am not sure I would want anyone to find and publish letters of mine that would eventually give insight into my beliefs and concerns.  I know my beliefs  change over time and having my beliefs and understandings interpreted over a hundred years later may not represent my perspective at all.  Dr. Sessions (I know he hates that reference, but is entitled to it) has woven the personal letters of JG with understandings of the time they were written to invite us, the readers, in engaging considerations of what was and has become culturally relevant and alleviate misinterpretations.  

In the short time span that JG lived, he saw his adult identity and work as a missionary.  A missionary for a new religion, a religion that eventually forced a group of people to create a sense of community and purpose.  The personal insight JG provides as one responsible for enticing others to join in a community building religious experience is very enlightening to our understanding of other individuals who joined the religion as well as understanding the leadership of that new religion.

I agree with Abe that JG had very high expectations of those he came in contact with and that his method of preaching was negative and condescending.  JG's personal conviction of the religion and his understanding of what he perceived as undeniably right or wrong leads to my agreement with The Enchanted Castle (not sure whose name in our group goes with that title) who stated in one of the first postings that JG seemed to have a big ego.  In chapter 3, Grant is "concerned about his own immediate future as an itinerant preacher" and recognizes his preaching skills as an invaluable asset to the religion.  He is impatient to wait for others to prepare to go on missions with him and seems to like to be on his own.  He laments the fall of other missionaries (Benjamin Winchester) and the perceived failings of church leaders.  He is intolerant of behaviors that are not in agreement with his new-found convictions.  

Although the new religion is in an infant stage, JG expects total commitment and understandings from those appointed to leadership positions within the branches of the church. The leadership, on the other hand,  still recognizes the need for human relationships, compassion, and tolerance of the failings of others. In JG's missionary service, he states, "I have however started a church" (p. 20) recognizing his own efforts, with expectations that those whom he has converted become committed to the extent that he is.  JG is continually hopeful he will receive recognition from the religious leadership for his productive work but rarely receives it.  JG sees himself as a missionary and powerful preacher more so than a husband and friend.  He was, as pointed out on page 18, more interested in converting non-believers than mingling with those already converted, which preoccupies his every decision.  He finds satisfaction and honor in the work he is performing.  He rarely feels the need to understand the predicaments of life, the other "work" that the leadership is involved in, and the lived experiences of those to whom he expects to convert. He holds his own ideal of how others should act and show conversion.  JG's life work and profession is being a missionary in an exceedingly dogmatic fashion and this life work becomes an obsession to him.  I think I would find him a difficult person to be friends with or be related to, yet, on the other hand, I believe he would say the same of me.      

    

Mormon Thunder and Jeddy Grant

Well, I have finally finished the book. What an amazing man Jedediah Morgan Grant was! I am not a member of the church, so reading the history of this man and his part in the Mormon religion has been very interesting for me. I have learned so much about Utah's history, as well as history of the church.

Jedediah was such a passionate man! I admire his zeal for wanting the Saints to live the appropriate life that one should in order to receive the blessings in the afterlife. However, I can't help but wonder if Jeddy suffered somewhat from OCD! he he he I laughed out loud everytime he mentioned that people should be clean themselves, have clean houses and yards, and live clean lives. It makes me wonder what these people must have looked like! :)

It was cool for me to read about Jeddy coming to Morgan with Thomas Jefferson Thurston and George W. Thurston. Thomas Jefferson Thurston is my husband's great, great, great grandfather. Pretty cool to see it mentioned in Session's book!!!

I have come to appreciate reading biographies much more since reading this book. I can't wait to learn more about Utah's history!

Thanks Amy!

I can't wait to talk about my last fieldtrip! It was a wonderful experience. I want to hear all about your trip also!

Time is running out!

I can't believe this marvelous experience is almost here! I have had my granddaughter and two step-grandkids here this last week and a half and it has been a blast. I only see part of them once a year because they all live in Texas. I have had a rough time getting on the computer with them around. They want all my attention and I give it to them. I have been trying to read the book again because I read it earlier and my memory isn't as quick as it used to be. I am rereading the Guide because I started with that book because it fit so good in my class that I used it a lot in May. Now I need to write in my learning log about the book. Look forward to seeing all of you soon. Enjoy the 24th of July!

Address for Abe

The IMAX theater is on the north end of the theater complex at 9400 South and State Street. The parking lot is behind (east) of the theater. You can enter the parking lot by driving north on State Street and turning in just north of the IMAX theater.

Emmigrants Guide

Does anyone else want to stop all traffic in Echo Canyon so that you can just yell and hear the echo that the pioneers heard? I would really love to hear that myself. This has been an interesting book. I agree with the comments about pictures. I think that some of them could have been taken better. I do enjoy reading the different stories and following a story line from Fort Bridger to the Salt Lake Valley. I am stoked to be getting on with this trip on Monday!!!

NEED ADDRESS

Dear Mormon Trail Participants:

I am unfamiliar with the Sandy area. Does anyone have an address for the IMAX center where we meet the bus on Monday Morning?

Mormon Thunder

I thought I had submitted an entry when I finished this book in June.... But I see no record so I will enter another entry. I loved this book. I was amazed at the dedication and devotion that Jedediah M. Grant had for his found religion. I have always felt devoted to my religion, but have never fought for it to the extremes that J.M. Grant did. I was also amazed at the devotion of his wives and family. It had to be difficult to support a man who expected such high expectations from everyone.

I also would have had a hard time responding to his method of preaching. I like to hear the good word,...and then apply it to my life....but all in a positive and not negative condescending manner.

A great book that I have recommended to others!

Emigrants Guide

This was a very informational text but I found it a little difficult to get through. I enjoyed seeing the pictures and reading about the interesting landmarks that the emigrants saw as they were coming to Utah but I really wanted to hear more of the stories and personal insights of the emigrants. I look forward to seeing some of these landmarks on the trip next week.

Emigrant's Guide

While the Emigrant's Guide was an interesting read in terms of landmarks and routes along the Mormon Trail, I wanted more in terms of stories. I loved reading the accounts of people's experiences along the trail, and am excited in learning more. At times I felt the author glazed over key events that not all of us know about (i.e. the Willie-Martin Handcart Company), thus I am excited to talk to people and have them fill in the blanks. Can't wait to see you all on Monday!!

Thanks Chris!

I loved your comment about your trip to New Mexico and the different Native American experiences you had. Very very cool! I can hardly wait to chat more about what you saw. Have a grand day.

As I finish reading phase two and three from "Mormon Thunder", I can't help but wonder what the Saints were feeling when listening to his sermons. Some of his sermons are quite interesting to me, while some are kind of "out there".

I really had a connection to one of his sermons from chapter 11 when he spoke of netting fish. In all groups of people you will find many different character types. There will always be good and bad people in every race, religion, and culture. It is never a good thing to stereotype any group. I think we forget that far too often.

I am looking forward to finishing the book today so I can move on to the next one.

Emigrants' Guide

So I thumbed through the Emigrants' Guide book a few times before really starting to read it. I guess it just didn't look that exciting and so I kept procrastinating the day of reading... but I am glad to say that I have enjoyed reading it much more than I had anticipated. I really like the random stories that catch your attention and then leave you hanging. The only thing that I don't really like is the quality of the pictures. I guess some of the pictures are quite old and what not but for some of the more recent ones I am left wishing that they had a higher resolution or were in color or something. Other than that I think its a great book and I am excited to see some of these places first hand and take my own pictures!

Bring on the Thunder!

I'm so excited to finally have figured out what I am doing on this blog thing... it's been a work in progress but here I am. My thoughts on Mormon Thunder have continually changed as I have read the book. Although I couldn't figure out how to post my own comments I have read yours and I must say that I have had so many of the same ideas. This has made it more difficult to come up with something new so I will simply agree with you all... you have such great incite! As I started the book I really liked the feel of it and was excited to keep reading more. I was very excited to see who Jedediah would choose to marry etc because he is such a devoted mormon it would take a special girl for him. I was very disappointed to find that that whole aspect of his life was glazed over so quickly it was as if it wasn't very important. Even now I can't remember his first wife's name. After that disappointment the book seemed to go much more slowly and it was hard for me to stay interested. I will say on a more positive note that I do like the style of journals and letters and then commentary that moves it along. I haven't read many books that use this tactic and I like it. I'm not quite finished with the book so I will sum up my consensus when I do. Oh and thanks for all your posts... they have helped me stay interested.

Answering Tiff

I think that Fillmore was selected to be the first capital because Brigham said that it was located in
the center of the state. even when we weren't a state, it was pretty central to the territory. Many people had to travel great distances for the opportunity to meet together. Traveling from St. George (and Beyond) to Salt Lake City would have been a hardship and this only made it easier for the people in the southern parts of the territory to be included.

Emigrants' Guide

I finished the Emigrants' guide today. I found the book pretty interesting and enjoyed looking at the pictures and reading about many places. It even mentioned Croydon in the book which is were I grew up (although I am a little embarrassed to admit that). I have seen many of these places and picturing the pioneers there with all the obstacles they had to face on their journey is truly amazing. I really admire all the pioneers who kept journals. I love hearing first hand accounts of their experiences as they traveled to the Salt Lake Valley.

I am really looking forward to our trip - see you all next week!

Rocks, Canyons, Mt. Ranges, Water, and Stations, Oh, My!

At first I couldn't figure out why anyone would write a book like this, but as I went back to write my journal entries, I got the bigger picture. It wasn't so much about places as it was about the people who traveled there. I could imagine the pioneers at each spot. I loved that they carved their names in the rocks. It makes them so much more real somehow. I liked hearing about all the places close to our little town of Morgan like Echo Canyon, East Canyon Creek, and East Canyon Reservoir. Our family has many memories associated with these spots. We got caught in a flash flood at East Canyon during a fish fry. My son caught an 18" trout in the East Canyon Creek when he was a small boy. I'm tempted to go to Echo Canyon and see if I can really hear an echo. I'm not quite sure where to go off the interstate so I don't get seriously killed, however. I was also glad to learn there is an upper and a lower Weber Canyon. Who knew? I was confused at first when they talked about it. I'm grateful for the pioneers and their perseverence. What a great heritage they've left us!

"...and should we die..."

". . .and should we die before our journey's through, happy day, all is well." This line from the LDS hymn "Come, Come, Ye Saints" is what struck me as I finished Mormon Thunder. I thought of Jedediah Morgan Grant dying at 40 years old, a premature death even in those days. He stood by his ideals to the end. He never wavered. He was totally self-disciplined and totally loyal to the two prophets he associated with. I admire his spunk, but think he was a little zealous. As I read the conference talks from the current general authorities of the LDS Church, they couldn't possibly be any more opposite from Jedediah Morgan Grant's. Today they are kind, loving, compassionate, and forgiving. I wonder if it's the difference in the evolution of the Church and/or its people. I'm afraid if he'd talked to me like he did to them, I'd have apostasized myself. I'm grateful for getting to know "Jeddy" Grant. Even my husband has taken an interest in him. We went to a garage sale last Saturday, and he found an old book about Heber J. Grant, Jedediah's father. He immediately checked to see if there was anything about JMG in it, and lo and behold, there was. I hope I can muster up some Grant-style enthusiasm as we embark upon our journey together next week. See you all then.

Thoughts on Mormon Thunder and Jedediah Morgan Grant

Well, I finally finished the book at about midnight last night, better late than never.

I took a Utah History class in college and learned a lot about our state. Reading the history of Jedediah Morgan Grant has really increased my knowledge of Utah History, but has also left me with some questions. This blog has been really helpful in answering those questions. It has been fun to read others' opinions and discuss the book with other teachers.

Grant really was an interesting guy. He made a lasting impression on all those who knew him or heard him speak. He was a very powerful speaker who preached what he believed in. I found it very interesting that not only did he preach about being spiritually clean, but physically clean as well. I think the author, Gene Sessions, described Grant best when he wrote ". . . he rose to the ruling councils of the young church, religion encompassed all in his world, from keeping ditches and bodies clean to attending to prayers and obeying counsel. He was in every sense a professional Mormon."

This is the place.....to blog...and I can FINALLY do it!

Finally……I can start blogging! I have had quite a time trying to get set up to actually do this. So, I have finished the first two sections of the book and have three left to go. In the first section, I was having a very tough time reading the book. Jed’s journal entries were filled with so many errors, it was difficult to read fluently to construct any meaning. I struggled with it, even having worked in Special Ed. for several years! I wonder what happened that made his journal entries improve over time???

I was very amazed at how Jed took this work to heart for so many years. What a testimony he had! I can’t believe how much of his life was dedicated to the church. I can’t imagine what a tough decision it must have been when it came time to head west when he had an ailing wife and new sick baby. What a rough time these people went through in order to live in their new land.

I SO do not get the whole idea of polygamy! What an icky thing! For whatever reason the need for it was; I just don’t get it!!!

Fillmore

For some reason, my (outdated) computer won't let me post comments to other people's posts, so I'll comment as a new post instead. I checked a couple of places to see if there was a quick answer to Tiff's question, but I couldn't find one. I would guess that perhaps they wanted a place that was more centrally located, since the territory covered a huge area - not only present-day Utah but also parts of surrounding states for a time. Then the size of the territory was carved back until it reached the current size of the state of Utah. Fillmore didn't last too long as the center of government; things were shortly moved back north to Salt Lake. I learned something in my little search, though. Fillmore was actually settled with the intent of making it the territorial capital; it wasn't an afterthought.

Better late than never!

July 4th

Better late than never! I've finally, with a lot of help from my team, figured out how to post something on this BLOG. I'm something less than techno savvy!!! Sometimes I feel like a dinosaur as I see what the new teachers are able to do almost without thinking. Well, enough of that. I hope all of you fellow Utah history participants are spending as much time reading and writing as I am. I feel like I'm in slow motion. I'm almost finished with Dr. Session's book. I knew basically nothing about Jedediah Morgan Grant, and now I feel like a relative. Since I live in Morgan, which is named for him, you would think I would have had a clue, but NOOOOO! The whole trip is coming way too fast for me. I know it'll be here before we know it, and after that it'll only be 13 days until we're back in the saddle here in Morgan. Que sera, sera. (spelling?) Well, gotta run and get a 4th of July Bar-BQ ready for my family. There are nineteen of us now including my husband's parents. I have a husband, four children (3 daughters and a son), 3 sons-in-law who are great guys, and a new daughter-in-law who we all love to pieces. Our seven, soon to be eight, grandchildren are extremely beautiful, bright, and charming, of course! Have a happy 4th!!!

July 10th
I'm back from Jackson Hole. We had a great trip. We went whitewater rafting, and it was a blast! I've been thinking a lot about Utah and the people who were instrumental in settling it. Jedediah Morgan Grant was quite the guy. At the beginning of the book he seems like quite a religious zealot. Then he seems almost fanatical. It's like you have to read between the lines to see that he's just a very devoted, loyal man with strong convictions. If I ever have to stand for what's right, I want him on my team. I like reading the letters to his family. He shows his tender, gentle side. I believe he really loved and cared about his family. It's amazing to me that any man can think about and take care of more than one wife and family. My husband has a hard time just with me now that our kids are gone. I hope someday to understand the whole plural marriage thing. I hope things are coming together for you as you make your preparations for the "big trip". I'm looking forward to meeting all of you.

Thoughts on Jedediah and The Emigrant Guide...

So I finished the Emigrant Guide. I can hardly wait to see some of these colorful places now that I know more about them. I just kept thinking how fun it would be to make some of the discoveries that John Eldredge made. How cool would it be to stumble upon a fur trappers grave site? The reasons why fording a creek/river at the end of the day made perfect sense. It really got me thinking about all the little things a person would need to know to survive on the trail. As I'm reading about "Jeddy" I'm wondering about the response of the normal everyday person to his discources. Were they well received or was his truth hard to hear? Are there journals or records that describe the reactions? It would be interesting to get the listeners perspective on this interesting man.

Gene Sessions as Author

I feel the Gene Sessions did a remarkable job in bringing to light was Mormonism was and will never be again through publishing this book about Jedediah Grant. He showed how remarkable he was a one of the early members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and the influence and impact he had on leading the early members of the Church. Sessions was able to show what early pioneer life was like and the difficulties they faced as they were forced to leave their homes in Ohio and Illinois and then travel West to settle in a new area. He shows how Smith was not only just the father of the later prophet Heber J. Grant, but shows what an inspiring missionary he was to those he taught and came in contact with, an obedient servant, and the difference he made as a spent the last few years of his life as a counselor to the prophet Brigham Young. Sessions was able to show, within this book, the spiritual and historical sides of Jedediah Grant in a way that I don't think any other would have been accomplish.