Research and Testimonials

02/24/2010

Meet the Finalists for Target® 2011 Iditarod Teacher on the Trail™

Finalists have been chosen for the Target® 2011 Iditarod Teacher on the Trail™.  The finalists, Blynne Froke, Martha Dobson, and Sally Simon will be in Anchorage during the week before the start of the race to complete selection process activities…

Filed under Contests: Win Prizes, Curriculum for the Classroom, Idita Reads and Races, Language Arts, Math, News and Information, Research and Testimonials, Science, Social Studies, Target Teacher on the Trail

02/08/2010

Iditarod in the Classroom: Then and Now

By Kathy Kelly
*More than 20 years ago, educator Kathy Kelly recognized that the Iditarod was an engaging theme to hook students into reading, writing, and math.  Kathy wrote an article for the Learning Magazine.  A discussion between the magazine’s…

Filed under News and Information, Research and Testimonials, Teacher Tips and Tools

02/03/2010

The Race to Student Success

Why use the race with your students?  Here is what teachers are saying. . . .

While reading the story Balto, my students became fascinated with the journey and challenges Balto faced on his mission. Seeing their enthusiasm, I realized…

Filed under News and Information, Research and Testimonials

01/27/2010

Reflections: Educational Impact of the Race

Educator Kathy Kent traveled the Iditarod Trail during the 2001 race.  She shared her experiences with her educational community and has since continued to share her experiences from the race with students and race fans.  Kathy contributes her expertise and…

Filed under News and Information, Research and Testimonials

12/28/2009

Back to the Basics with Iditarod Based Learning

By Diane Johnson
There are mysteries in the world, but WHY Iditarod WORKS as a tool to teach students, is no mystery.
Teachers today face the challenges of helping students conquer educational milestones as they prepare students to ‘compete’ and…

Filed under News and Information, Research and Testimonials, Teacher Tips and Tools

12/16/2009

Iditarod Involves Teamwork! Teaching Does, Too!

By Sally Simon, Educational Journalist
In many ways teachers are islands unto themselves. They close the door and have a captive audience. They plan, teach, and assess. Sometimes they work with a colleague to create innovative curriculum, or have a…

Filed under Integrated Curriculum, Math, News and Information, Research and Testimonials, Social Studies, Teacher Tips and Tools

12/13/2009

Creating an Enriched Iditarod Classroom Environment

Iditarod is an incredible teaching tool that teachers incorporate into all content areas of teaching.
A teacher knows that creating bulletin boards that teach and display areas that spark the imagination and interest of students is essential to setting the…

Filed under Bulletin Board Displays, News and Information, Research and Testimonials, Teacher Tips and Tools

11/22/2009

The Iditarod, Web2.0 Tools & Your Students

By Educational Journalist, Nancy Carroll, 4th Grade Teacher, MA
Are your students already talking about the Iditarod?  Sled dogs?  Mushers? Alaska? Engage your students in their learning by creating, analyzing and synthesizing different aspects of the Iditarod while using sites…

Filed under Games and Activities, Research and Testimonials, Teacher Tips and Tools, Technology Integration, Technology-Information Highway

05/30/2009

Message From a Teacher. . Why We Teach the Race

I was interested in presenting this lesson to my students as a way to celebrate the end of their state testing and to also introduce my students to the true meaning of self-sacrifice, commitment, survival, and endurance.  The project began with…

Filed under Character Education, Research and Testimonials, Teacher Tips and Tools

05/30/2009

Messages From Teachers: Why Use the Race with Students?

I am the speech therapist for middle & high schoolers with severe disabilities.  (Grades 6 – 12) My teaching area is Speech Language Pathology.
Our goal is to promote communication to gain information that is motivating to our students. Most…

Filed under Research and Testimonials, Service Learning Projects

05/28/2009

It is About the Dogs! Iditarod Sled Dogs Ready to Run!

By Nikki Allen, Finalist for Target®2010 Iditarod Teacher on the Trail™
Ask any musher what the Iditarod is all about and they will likely say, “It’s about the dogs.” These very special athletes are what draw us to the race.…

Filed under People, Places, or Dogs, Research and Testimonials, Science

04/19/2009

Student Success in Arkansas

Hello, my name is Paula Medlin from Strong, AR.
I attended the Boot Camp for Teachers in 2008.  One of the best things I have ever experienced!  So good that I am returning this year in hopes of learning more…

Filed under Research and Testimonials, Service Learning Projects, Teacher Tips and Tools

04/03/2009

A Parent Sends a Word of Thanks!

Dear Diane,
I just wanted to thank all of you in the education department for a really great Iditarod program that you off students from all over.  I am a parent of a 3rd grader at St. Cecelia School in…

Filed under Research and Testimonials

03/07/2009

Stay on Track… If You Want to Get to Nome

By Linda Kal Sander
Finalist, 2010 Target® Teacher on the Trail

The trail to Nome is filled with unknowns.  At every step along this thousand-mile journey, a musher has to make decisions.  Some call this risk assessment.  What obstacles might…

Filed under Character Education, Guest Speakers, Research and Testimonials, Target Teacher on the Trail, Teacher Tips and Tools

03/20/2008

Classroom Dog Lot and Brain Research

More Than a Toy….. by Cathy Walters
In my classroom I have a small dog lot. The dogs are 7″ long and come in shades of gray and black with white markings. Each one has its own little house. These…

Filed under Art, Music, FACS, Indust Arts, Research and Testimonials, Teacher Tips and Tools

03/15/2008

Habits of the Mind: Nebraska Students

From Students in Nebraska
by Judi Roach
Iditarod Central: Iditarod and Habits of Mind Quest Project
The kids at Central Elementary, also known as, -Iditarod Central; have been learning and using the Habits of the Mind. The Habits of Mind…

Filed under Art, Music, FACS, Indust Arts, Character Education, News and Information, Research and Testimonials

11/11/2007

Improving Reading Scores the Idita-Way

Has reading ‘gone to the dogs?’ According to this Wisconsin educator, Diane Pollock, it has!
PAWS-The Reading with Beta Program by Diane Pollock and Diane Johnson
The Delta society (an organization dedicated to improving human health through service and therapy…

Filed under Art, Music, FACS, Indust Arts, News and Information, Research and Testimonials