December 4, 2024admin

December 4, 2024 – Chicago

Today’s Agenda:

  • CNN 10 – What was your favorite story
  • Sight Word Bingo
  • Chicago – The First Stop on the Mother Road

Today we’re visiting the first stop on the Mother Road – Chicago, also known as The Windy City.

Chicago is a big city on the west side of Lake Michigan. Long ago, it was just a small place near the lake. The land was wet and had tall grass. People came to build homes and make farms. They worked hard to grow food and keep safe. 

The name “Chicago” comes from a word for wild onions that grew there. The city grew fast as more people moved in.  In time, trains and boats came to Chicago. They helped people go far and bring goods to sell. The Great Fire of 1871 was a bad event that burned much of the city. But the people did not quit. They made plans to build again. Now, Chicago is a busy place with lots to see and do. It has parks, tall buildings, and a big zoo where kids can play and learn.

Fun Facts about Chicago:

  • Chicago is Called the “Windy City – Many people think it’s because of the strong winds, but the nickname actually comes from the city’s history of loud politicians.
  • Home of the First Skyscraper – Chicago built the world’s first skyscraper in 1885. While it was only 10 stories tall, it changed the way cities were built forever!
  • Deep-Dish Pizza was Invented Here – Chicago is famous for its delicious deep-dish pizza, which has a thick crust, lots of cheese, and chunky tomato sauce on top.
  • The Great Fire of Chicago – In 1871, a huge fire burned down much of the city. But it gave Chicago a chance to rebuild, leading to its famous architecture.
  • It Has the Largest Indoor Aquarium – The Shedd Aquarium in Chicago is one of the largest indoor aquariums in the world, with over 32,000 animals from the ocean, lakes, and rivers!
  • The Chicago Institute of Art which was in Ferris Bueller’s Day Off has some of the most famous works of art in the world:

Check your Knowledge

Question 1:

What did the name “Chicago” come from?
A) A type of tall grass
B) Wild onions that grew there
C) A lake near the city
D) The name of a train

Question 2:

What happened to Chicago in 1871?
A) The city became a farm
B) A big fire burned much of the city
C) People moved away from the city
D) Trains stopped coming to the city