Language Arts

“What are They Pulling?” Personal Narrative Writing

By now teachers are back in the swing of the school year. We are diving into curriculum, analyzing data, working with coaches and mentors, and planning with our teams. We have our routines established.  Our lives have returned to the rhythm of the school year.  One thing we do here in Texas is a silent …

“Harness Up!” Reading Stamina: August Lesson Plan

When was the last time you got completely lost in a book? I confess—for me that was yesterday. I love to read! I recharge by being alone and quiet, so I grew up filling my quiet time with amazing texts describing travel, adventure, and wonderful characters. As we enter the fall training period for young …

It’s All In The Name

With just a few more days left (7 to be exact, but who’s counting?) I am ready to close the door on this school-year and dive headfirst into summer. But before I know it, I will be prepping for the start of a new school year. Reflecting on my year as Iditarod Teacher on the …

Iditarod National Historic Trail Junior Trailblazer Booklet

The Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race is run along the Iditarod National Historic Trail.  The Bureau of Land Management and other entities that own the land which the trail runs through all work in conjunction with the Iditarod Trail Committee to run the race each year.  It is Alaska’s only winter National Trail and was …

IditaRead Finisher’s Certificate

Your IditaRead “mushers” may be crossing the finish line soon. Here are the PDFs and jpeg for a black and white or a color finisher’s certificate for you to present to your finishers. Additionally, we want to thank the over 1,200 teachers that signed up for the digital IditaRead program.  The suggestion box is live …

Educational Trail Mail Sales are Open!

We are so excited to announce that sales for the Educational Trail Mail Project are open! This is an amazing chance for your class to send a piece of mail down the trail in one of the 2023 student-designed cachets and help us raise funds for our education programs at the same time! It’s very …

Iditarod Identity

As I contemplate the beginning of the year I am reminded of all the things I need to incorporate into my curriculum – like SEL and the CR-SE Framework. Yes, I just threw out another acronym, but don’t panic just yet. Like SEL, (see previous post Iditarod Gives All the Feels) the CR-SE Framework enhances …

Getting Started – Iditarod Style

Teachers are returning to the classroom and setting the stage for a year of engaging learning. Some of us have used Iditarod for years, and have a plan to integrate the race into the curriculum. Others are new to using the race in the classroom, and are unsure of how to proceed.   Do you start …

Welcome to Debski’s Diner: Lesson Ideas from the I.C.E. Cohort

Our first Iditarod Certified Educator’s cohort is off and running down the trail! Their first challenge was to develop a quick lesson idea based on the theme of Debski’s Diner. Debski is the amazing cook for all of the volunteers in Nome. She serves as a kind of den mom for all of the volunteers …

Reading and Writing on the Iditarod Trail: Lessons and Activities Ready to Use

These ready to use lessons and activities for reading and writing are a great way to get your students involved in reaching academic success the Idita – way —  Follow the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race® and engage students in life long learning.  (By Martha Dobson)   Download the PDF Document:  Reading and Writing on …