Iditarod & Language Arts Integrations

Iditarod &Language Arts Integrations Presentation by Kimberly A. Harrick Part 1 Rockwood School District Ridge Meadows Elementary 777 Ridge Road Ellisville, Missouri 63021 e-mail: rmt15@rockwood.k12.mo.us

I d i t a r o d Respect • 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.

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.

Integrity Determination Initiative Teamwork Appreciation Respect Opportunity Dedication

I d i t a r o d Integrity 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 d Integrity The firm adherence to a moral code; uprightness of character.

I d i t a r o d Integrity • 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!!

Id i t a r o d Determination 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.

Id i t a r o d Determination Striving toward a goal despite challenges.

Id i t a r o d Determination • As a class, brainstorm what challenges the mushers and dog teams might 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 her perseverance 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 d Initiative 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 d Initiative The ability to take the first step and follow through with a plan of action.

I d i t a r o d Initiative • 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 d Teamwork 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 d Teamwork Working together to accomplish a task.

I d i t a r o d Teamwork • 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 d Appreciation 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 d Appreciation Recognizing the worth, quality or significance of living things and their history.

I d i t a r o d Appreciation • 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 d Respect 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 d Respect Showing positive regard for self, others, environment, property, rules and authority.

Iditarod & Language Arts Integrations