NEWS FROM THE CLASSROOM

Iditarod Race

News from the Kindergarten classroom

April 16, 2022

The annual Kindergarten Iditarod race is an event that the students eagerly anticipate each year. The students get a chance to learn about the iconic Alaskan race and build their knowledge of the basic needs of living things. Throughout the project, the students explore the specific needs of sled dogs and discover what it is like to be a musher.  

This year’s project kicked off with a dog adoption ceremony. Each student adopted a Husky and gave it a special name. 

                                                                         

The students then got to work making blankets and booties for their dogs.

                                                                      

Next, was the designing and construction of the sleds. Students used craft sticks, cardboard and fleece to create their sleds. Construction paper and aluminum foil were used to make the sled supplies.

                                                            

Before race day, students participated in a presentation by professional mushers. The students tried on parkas, boots, fur hats and mittens. A few students had the opportunity to become sled dogs and pull the dog sled around the gym. The mushers also brought in a retired sled dog for the students to pet. 

                                                                               

                                           

On race day, the students harnessed their dogs to their sleds and set off on the course with their mushing partners. While on the course, they faced many obstacles including a tunnel, a river and a stretch of trail lit only by twilight.

                                                                                     

Halfway through the course, the students stop to get a health check for their dogs. The second grade vets checked each dog’s ears and paws to make sure they were healthy enough to continue racing.

                                                                                 

Along the final stretch, the students were met with cheers from the PNA student body, encouraging them all the way to the finish line. 

                                                                                 

 

The students showed great effort, creativity and ingenuity during our Iditarod study. They faced many challenges during this project but persevered with admirable confidence and courage.  

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