Six days ’til departure.

I had no idea blogging would be so interesting! I need to say that starting next Sunday, all my blogs will be geared towards my 1st - 2nd grade students. My trip is a result of a generous educational award by the Don Keele family, and my purpose is to share the experience and everything I learn with my students.

We have followed the Iditarod in our classroom for several years, ever since a little 1st grade boy and I discovered we had a common interest in it. Look where that led me! I asked that boy if he would like to follow the race at school and if he would like to choose a favorite musher to track. He was excited, and went home, researched the options with his parents, and came back with the name of Jeff King. That student knew how to pick a winner! We have followed Jeff King ever since. This year we will also follow Melissa Owens. She has been an e-mail buddy to our class, has sent us pictures, dog booties, and answered many questions the students have asked. We wish her well.

As part of our classroom study of the Iditarod, we have looked for examples of positive character traits that are demonstrated by the mushers in the race. As we have identified acts of compassion, good sportsmanship, perseverance, personal best performance, and kindness, we have learned that there are very positive things happening in this race. There will always be examples of poor sportsmanship, unfortunate events, and inappropriateness in any competition or sport, but this is clearly a race made up of people who love their dogs more than they love winning. It is a race made up of dogs who love to run, love the race, and love their mushers. Because my husband and I are also dog owners/lovers, we can relate. I also know there will always be people who don’t understand the dogs and that relationship. However, I find the race to be a great opportunity to educate my students about those positive character traits found in the race, and will continue to be a huge fan of the Iditarod.

I’m glad for the responses I’ve received so far, and appreciate the advice and information from people who have been to the Iditarod before. Thank you! I hope to meet some of you in Anchorage and at the race events.

Tonya