Miner Chapter 1 Child of the Grassy Plain

In chapter 1, Miner quotes William Allen White speaking of the differences in Kansas Regions.

"It would be as untrue to classify together the Egyption, the Indian and the Central American as to speak of the Kansas man without distinguishing between the Eastern Kansan, the Central Kansan and the Western Kansan."

When I read this I thought to myself, "that is still true today." This idea could lead to a great discussion and lesson over the geographic, socio-economic, philosophical, etc, differences between these Kansas Regions.

My students, today, don't give this much thought, but this could turn into a real learning experience. I can see a research project involving each of the regions and the specific contributions and needs of each one. This could lead to a discussion of the problems Kansas legislators face and a chance to problem-solve possible solutions.

One other thing I found interesting in this chapter was the story of the tornado that swept through Irving, Kansas. While reading this I wondered why I had never heard of the tragedy. Miner states that this disaster ranks up there with Quantrill's raid on Lawrence, yet most Kansans remain ignorant of the event.