About Us TeacherNet FAQ's TeacherNet News ... WebRing Members Literacy Lights Dogsledding in Alaska by Kimberly Lanza, Rutgers University Relating educational activities to current events works well at school, so why not try it at home, too? March is the month to get into the spirit of sled-dog racing. The excitement of the famous Iditarod race begins on March 1, but you can start preparing for it now. The race participants, known as mushers, are making their final preparations for the grueling 1,112-mile race held in Alaska. Just completing the race is an accomplishment! You and your child will learn a lot, be inspired, and have fun doing some of the following activities together. 1. Visit your local or school library and check out books on Alaska, sled-dog racing, or the Iditarod. Children of all ages benefit from reading with you. Read to your child or take turns reading to each other. Even five minutes a night makes a difference. For younger children, you may want to read a wonderful story about an Inuit mother's unconditional love for her daughter called Mama, Do You Love Me? by Barbara M. Joosse (Chronicle Books, 1998) and then together write your own version of this story. Older children may enjoy Stone Fox by John Reynolds Gardiner (HarperTrophy, 1988). It follows the character of Willy as he competes in a sled-dog race to win money to help keep his grandfather's farm. As you read this book together, talk about the problems Willy faces and how he overcomes them. | |
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