Creating Powerful Moments in Your Classroom ~ by Kathy Thompson

Paw Print = Wasilla and Willow ~ Iditarod Headquarters and Alaskan Husky Adventures

Exploration Feeling ~ Day Four = Insightful

Wow! Today was a phenomenal day outside of Anchorage. We arrived in Wasilla to the Iditarod Headquarters. Mushers and sled dogs were there getting the pre-race check-ups for the start of the race on Saturday. It was an amazing field trip and very insightful. I went into this field trip this morning not knowing what to expect. I can honestly say that after today, I gained a lot of knowledge about the life of a musher and his/her dogs on the team. The love and respect that I saw from them was astounding. You could easily see how well cared for these dogs are because of their mushers. The constant hugs and food that was provided to the dogs during the check-up was a clear indication that they adore their sled dogs. As I was talking to one of the dogs, I created a video for my students. I truly believe when they watch this conversation, it will be a powerful moment for them.

Our next stop at Alaskan Husky Adventures was a more personal view from musher Matt Failor. Matt and Liz were so welcoming into their dog kennel that we all felt like we should stay the night. Matt shared a memory of a favorite dog that got ill on the trail. As he reminisced, one could see the feelings he went through while on the trail. It was another memorable moment for me that I will never forget and probably share with my students.

So when I think about the power of meaningful memorable moments, I think about this trip to Alaska so far. How can we as educators bring these moments into the classroom so that our lessons are meaningful to our students? How can moments turn into exceptional lessons? Does it all go back to student buy-in? How can we create richer moments for our students to enhance learning? If that is the case, shouldn’t we get to know our students better?

Task:

What is one memorable moment you have that could impact a specific lesson in any content area?

Ask your students to begin a “memorable journal” to record those moments in school that they feel have made an impact on them.

Try the 2 x 10 getting to know a student. Spend 2 minutes a day for 10 days getting to know a student with whom you wish to foster a positive relationship. You never know – it just may turn into a memorable moment for that student and you.