What better time to talk about cold weather, mushers, and sled dog racing than in the sweltering heat of August! Hopefully you can already feel the chill just thinking about it! Speaking of The Last Great Race, I have so many things I would like to share with you this year that you can utilize in your classroom, regardless of the grade level. With just a little tweak here and there, you will be on your way to engaging learning, no matter what age students you have. My plan is very scheduled and one you can rely on to enhance your classroom, whether you have been using the Iditarod for years, or if you are just beginning your journey. I believe it is one that will help give your students’ learning purpose throughout the race.
My theme for the year is “DIG Deeper.” Discover. Investigate. Grow…DIG. So, together let’s DIG Deeper into learning through the Iditarod! Each month of the 2025-2026 school year will be broken down into weeks. Lessons and activities can be used as they are posted to give students a proactive start and build some excitement, or they can be saved for race time. However it works best for you is the right way!
Week 1: You will find a full lesson complete with all necessary information, printable materials, and standards covering all subject areas. My unique spin is that each lesson will contain a way to incorporate computer science and coding as an extension activity. With advancing technology, this area of curriculum becomes more crucial. Together, students will grow in their “Trail Tech!”
Weeks 2 and 3: I will be posting “Trail Word Tuesday” on that day of the week. Countless past and present mushers as well as other people within the race have been contacted with a list of words. They were asked to choose one and explain how this word stands out, how they try to live by this word, or how it embodies the spirit of the Iditarod. You will get to read their complete response as well as a printable poster page to create a Musher Word Wall. Each poster will highlight the word, definition, quote, and photo. I am hopeful it will be a great way to showcase the emotional and behavioral aspect of what it takes to be a part of this incredible race.
Week 4: Last but not least, I will be posting a “Fun on the Trail Friday” activity on that day. These 10-15 minute tasks will be everything from an Iditarod “I Have/Who Has” game to a “Scoot” activity. Their purpose is to simply allow students to have fun and embrace the Iditarod in a no-pressure environment. We all know that sometimes we need to just let them smile and be kids!
So, keep an eye out on these days for new and exciting Iditarod activities! I look forward to the year ahead and wish you the best start to your new school year!
*Click for your own printable template where your students can design their own Iditarod Patch!
Kari Wright
2026 Teacher on the Trail
