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Iditarod &
Language Arts IntegrationsPresentation by
Kimberly A. Harrick
Rockwood School DistrictRidge Meadows Elementary
777 Ridge RoadEllisville, Missouri 63021
e-mail: [email protected]
Trail Values
Rockwood and many districts across the nation are emphasizing Character Education. Integrating these values into daily academic and social lessons is the most effective way to internalize positive character traits. The theme of my presentation is centered around “Trail Values.” This acrostic poem features values that correspond to the letters contained in the word Iditarod.
IntegrityDeterminationInitiativeTeamworkAppreciationRespectOpportunityDedication
I d i t a r o dIntegrity
The relationships between the musher and dogs, dogs and veterinarians and the musher and handlers are built on trust. This trust comes from the integral role they play in each other’s lives. Integrity is a crucial element in these relationships.
I d i t a r o dIntegrity
The firm adherence to a moral code; uprightness of character.
I d i t a r o dIntegrity
Invite a musher, dog handler, or veterinarian to be a guest speaker in the classroom. This begins the unit of study with great enthusiasm, focusing on integrity and appreciation of mushers, dog handlers, dogs and the race itself.Proverbs and maxims continue to be popular because of their timeless truth. Send the children on a hunt for famous quotes relating to integrity. Visit your librarian and use various quote anthologies.How did Abraham Lincoln earn his nickname “Honest Abe?”Research his life and share your findings with a classmate.Hold a classroom discussion about cheating. Have students discuss why cheating is being dishonest.
Star Appearances!
Polaris was a BIG hit with everyone! He entered the room and greeted the
class by rolling into the middle of it all! He wasn’t a bit shy!
Principal Kottwitz found a new interest! 3…2…1…MUSH!!
I d i t a r o dDetermination
To succeed on the trail we must be determined. Competitors in the race realize that not everyone can come in first place and for many, success is completing the race. Those who are fully committed will reap the reward of knowing that they accomplished a goal and worked their hardest to achieve it.
I d i t a r o dDetermination
Striving toward a goal despite challenges.
I d i t a r o dDetermination
As a class, brainstorm what challenges the mushers and dog teamsmight face while on the trail.Write a journal entry from the musher or dog’s point of view.Discuss the meaning of positive self-talk and how it can be used to help achieve goals. Illustrate a cartoon sequence of a musher or dog overcoming a difficulty on the trail by using positive self-talk.As a group, discuss some of the challenges students their age face. Chart several positive messages students could use to persevere. Post the charts around the room to use as needed. Allow the students to select a professional athlete or public figure to research. Read about the person and find examples of his or herperseverance and determination. A helpful website containing e-mail addresses and information about Olympic athletes is
http:sportsillustrated.cnn.com/olympics/news/2000/01/27/athlete_profiles/
I d i t a r o dInitiative
The trail teaches much about goal setting, motivation and what it takes to complete the race. This value is most important to children as they will be setting goals and striving to achieve them the rest of their lives.
I d i t a r o dInitiative
The ability to take the first step and follow through with a plan of action.
I d i t a r o dInitiative
Imagine what experiences would motivate a person to set the goal of becoming a musher and participate in the Iditarod. Read some biographies on-line to hunt for clues and draw your own conclusions. Brainstorm together as a class to record several ideas. Create a diary written from the musher’s point of view to chronicle their decision making process. Think of an area for self-improvement. Identify a personal goal for positive change. Think about what things you will need to do to stick to your plan. What will be your reward for the achievement of your goal? How will you keep track of your progress? Write your goal including a target date of completion.
I d i t a r o dTeamwork
The race is a demonstration of teamwork. Each team member’s contribution is invaluable. Many lessons can be centered around how the Iditarod promotes team spirit and problem solving.
I d i t a r o dTeamwork
Working together to accomplish a task.
I d i t a r o dTeamwork
Create a sled dog team relay race. Students work together forming a dog team and pull a student or teacher. Variations: one dog, several dogs, time limit, race for safety.Share the Russian folktale of the turnip and discuss the valuable lesson of teamwork through this story.The Wright Brothers are historical figures whose lives demonstrate teamwork. Read about them and their contributions to aviation.Discuss animals whose survival is based upon cooperation. For example: Canadian Geese, wolves and fish.
I d i t a r o dAppreciation
The Iditarod celebrates an event in Alaskan history that epitomizes teamwork, determination and sacrifice. When we convey the importance of the serum run in 1925, we begin to teach others a keen appreciation for the yearly Iditarod Race.
I d i t a r o dAppreciation
Recognizing the worth, quality or significance of living things
and their history.
I d i t a r o dAppreciation
Share Balto and the Great Race. This story is based on the original race for life transporting serum to fight diphtheria. This will provide an appreciation of the historical framework for the yearly Iditarod.Do a class project that heightens student’s awareness of the people and things for which they are thankful. Challenge students to go 24 hours without complaining. Once they learn they cannot do this, have them generate a list of people and things for which they are thankful. Students will share this list with four individuals and evaluate their change of attitude through a class discussion.Have the children work with partners to trace one another’s outlines to form silhouettes on butcher paper. Each classmate writes a compliment or positive quality on the outline. Students then have a permanent record of qualities that others recognize and admire.
I d i t a r o dRespect
Alaska provides a dynamic backdrop for the race with it’s rich cultural history and natural beauty. Mushers, volunteers and spectators must respect the land, dogs and the traditions of the race.
I d i t a r o dRespect
Showing positive regard for self, others, environment,
property, rules and authority.
I d i t a r o dRespect
To respect other cultures and traditions, children must first explore the exciting similarities and differences that exist between themselves and others. Refer to Day 9 of Shelley Gill’s Iditarod The Last Great Race to Nome Curriculum Guide. Shelley provides background information on the Native peoples of Alaska that can be used for comparison. Suggestions are given to make a story mask to illustrate a story that focuses on Native culture. Also provided in this lesson are journal prompts allowing children to practice different styles of writing. For example, write a persuasive letter to an organization convincing them to sponsor you in the race.View a travel video of Alaska. Work with your media specialist to gather encyclopedias, magazines and non-fiction resources highlighting the natural resources Alaska has to offer. Have the children work in cooperative groups or individually to plan an Alaskan itinerary. Have students create postcards detailing their adventures while visiting each point of interest.
I d i t a r o dOpportunity
The race teaches us how to seize an opportunity and the corresponding rewards. The volunteers and mushers have an avid interest in the outdoors and share a love of dogs and adventure. The race provides an opportunity for many who share these interests to actively pursue their passions. Each musher and team can count on hundreds of supporters. Someone who does not possess the interest or physical stamina to mush, can contribute by volunteering to handle the dogs, host mushers and volunteers, prepare meals or report and photograph the events of the day.
I d i t a r o dOpportunity
A chance for personal growth or to meet a challenge.
I d i t a r o dOpportunity
Select teams to read fiction and non-fiction books about the race and to research contributions volunteers provide throughout the race. The teams can report their findings to the class in a variety of ways, (commercial, skit, song, poem, interview, advertisement, want ad…etc.) Discuss the opportunities students have as citizens of their classroom, school, community, state and country.Take advantage of integrating career awareness and the opportunities students have to pursue their interests and utilize their skills in the workforce. (Only, a small percentage of athletes play professionally. However, there are many career opportunities associated with athletics, for example reporters, coaches, athletic trainers, equipment designers, advertisers, office managers are vital aspects of a successful team.)Recruit speakers to share related opportunities available in their field of expertise. Career fairs can help students explore new professions.
I d i t a r o dDedication
When we dedicate our mind, heart and body to a a goal, we ought not be disappointed in the outcome.
I d i t a r o dDedication
The act of committing one’s self to a particular course of thought or action.
I d i t a r o dDedication
Read A Big Mistake by Lenore Rinder. Explain that the character made a mistake. Emphasize everyone makes mistakes but it is what we do with our mistakes that makes us successful. Invite the children to turn a “mistake paper” into a masterpiece and display their work. As children are completing their picture, discuss other accomplishments that have come out of dedication and acceptance of mistakes that are made along their journey. For example, learning to ride a bike, walk, read, print, cursive or mastery of math facts.Other books that show determination are as follows:
Tacky the PenguinLeo the Late BloomerSanta’s Book of Names
This is a magical story that contains powerful verbs and beautiful descriptive language. There are also several metaphors that can be used as a springboard for lessons encouraging children to use vivid language.
This story is a timeline of a pup’s development into an adult wolf. It is beautifully described with each new stage of life.
This book contains many creative snacks that kids can make by themselves. The snacks are centered on Alaskan activities and animals. A few recipes are Bear Tracks, Denali Peaks, Glacier Ice and Iditarod Trail Mix.
This is a true story about a dog team that works together to save their musher from grave danger.
This story is about the courage and determination. Akiakhad a hurt paw and her musher dropped her. Akiak broke free and continued on the trail to Nome.
Two great stories featuring
amazingly strong lead dogs!
Integration of other Alaskan animals
This story is written in English and in Inuit.
Two fantastic stories written by the GREAT….Libby Riddles!
And of course, no unit could ever be complete without reading a version of
Balto!
Thank You!Feel free to contact me if you have any questions or if I can help you further.
Kimberly A. HarrickRockwood School District
Ridge Meadows Elementary777 Ridge Road
Ellisville, Missouri 63021
e-mail: [email protected]
