Paw Print = Anchorage ~ Teacher Conference and 50th Anniversary Gala

Exploration Feeling ~ Day Five = Enlightened

What a rewarding day beginning with the Teacher on the Trail Finalist presentation.  The three of us were a bit nervous starting our day knowing our presentations were ahead of us this morning, however, we were so fortunate that our conference room was right next to the Iditarod musher photo booth.  Jeff Schultz, the official photographer of the Iditarod, easily set up his station as mushers arrived for their photos.  He was right next to us!  His photography has been a huge piece of my lessons over the years and now he was stationed right next to our conference room.  We tell our students to “show” not “tell” in writing.  Jeff’s photography is my favorite example of how we can “show” our thinking on paper.  Evidence of this is seen with all of his pictures.  He has provided many teachers with visual resources to use within our Iditarod units.

KTGT presentation

Hands-on lesson ~ Waterproofing Dog Booties

The three Teacher on the Trail Finalists shared expertise with an unbelievable audience.  This audience consisted of several educators that were truly thankful for what the three of us offered in lesson ideas today.  I felt very supported by this group of adults in a presentation where the ambiance was all about learning collaboratively.

The Gala tonight was very memorable for me. I loved the authentic stories that were shared about the mushers.  The love and care for the history of this race, the dogs, and each other was a valuable reminder of the alliances that we build over time.  

Iditarod Gala Funness.

Lisbet Norris enjoying her dogs.

Chad enjoying time with his dogs.

It was exciting to see displayed centerpieces from our 3rd graders of Joppatowne Elementary School in Harford County, Maryland.  I love that we were able to celebrate a student STEM challenge that was shared with everyone at the Gala.  At the end of the Gala, I met a lady from Wisconsin who had one of our student hand-made dog sleds in her hands.  She said to me, “I am bringing this home because I can see how hard your student, Ellie, worked on this.  My name is Ellie and I am very excited to share this with my family when I get home.  I just can’t see this in anyone else’s home but mine.”  

Yeah! Way to represent Harford County Joppatowne Elementary.

Mr. Gipprich’s dog sled.

Molly’s dog sled at table 29.

Ellie from Wisconsin.

Ellie’s comment sparked my exploration feeling today of the value of being enlightened.  My “aha” moment of realizing the power we all have on each other to learn was evident with Jeff Schultz, TOTT presentations, Gala celebrations and of course Ellie’s comment. How can we provide more lessons that promote student insightfulness?  Can this evolve from showing verse telling?  Doesn’t it begin with us as educators?

Tasks:

1. Take one of your Iditarod lessons and stop, think, reflect how your lesson went.  You could even record yourself.  Did it take several minutes at the end of your lesson for students to come back to your directions?  If so, that means your students were actively learning.  Kudos to you!   

2. Was there an opportunity in one of your lessons for students to “show” thinking verse “tell” thinking.  Give one of the images or even just a title from one of Jeff Schultz’ Iditarod pictures to your students.  Ask them to describe or “show” what they are thinking.  This will lead you into a deep discussion of student thinking and reflection.