Chicago Day 3
Well, back to the Chicago History Museum. This time we had a talk by Chip Douglas on his DBQ and Mini Q books and support materials he has produced. I really liked the fact that these materilas were developed as Chip worked in the classroom and only recently let on a leave to futher promote his products. As he talked and presented, one could tell he was an experienced teacher with many years of experience.
I appreciated this in-service as Chip certainly gave us credit as professionals and worked through his material at a rapid rate. So far this is the most useful information on the trip and if a fifth grade teacher were to combine this presentation along with the Springfield talk on primary documents, well then that fifth grade teacher could really add another and positive dimension to their program.
Actually it was interesting sitting next to Ray and Paula and hearing them express some of their frustrations with kids when asked to write beyond a creative writing story and focus on a historical question and cite sources. We talked about the need for Mini Q’s and DBQ’s froom 4th grade through high school. Not many, but at least 4 a year. One every 9 weeks at a minimum would damatically improve: essay writing skills, non-fiction comprehension, analytical skills, and provide significant historical content. While talking with the KING and Jonathon at a break, we agreed that the process for analysis and essay writing is the same only the content and the timeframe on moving throughb the material is different. I am certainly interested in purchasing he MiniQ material.
After lunch I wasn’t really “fired” up about our walking tour of Chicago. However, it turned out to be a great little tour and again added to my knowledge about the great fire. I really liked the duiscussion by the lake where we learned how Chicago gets its water with pipes extending out 1 to 2 miles into the lake to avoid the majority of the pollution.
Later we had an additional walking tour of Chicago as we walked literally from about 5 pm (a quick stop for dinner and dessert and the Apple Store) to 7:24Pm. We ended the walking tour at the Second City Playhouse. Wonderfully fun show, and all had a great time ( I believe).
I agree that it is very important that Chip recently worked in the classroom.
Brady, not Douglas. Chip Douglas was a character on “My Three Sons”
Seeing if you were paying attention.