The information on this site serves as information about the 2007 Summer Conference for Educators, held in Alaska June 24 - 30. Read the segments in the menu from MAY AND JUNE to learn about the conference. Read the additional blog postings and comments to learn about the the experiences that have led each participant to ways of enriching their curriculum by using Iditarod as a theme in classroom instruction.

Monday, June 18, 2007

Meet Kristy




Hello everyone...meet Kristy. She is a former Guidedog Puppy (for the Blind)that I raised from 8 weeks old. She did not make the program because of a shyness to loud noises, therefore I was able to select her new family...a teacher in my school. Now she comes to visit us on a regular basis, and is always egar to help the students.

Kristy was raised in the classroom and with me 24/7 where ever I went. She was a significant part of our school environment. Her presence helped so many emotionally needy children, increasing their self-confidence and academics. My love and respect for the working dogs, and reading the story of Balto brought me to Alaska and the sleddogs last summer.

Thanks to Kristy, this year, we were able to produce a life-sized dogsled team as we traced her in a running pose laying on the floor. Many lessons were generated from that experience.
I have produced a 40 min. narrated slideshow using PhotoStory on how I used the topic of the Iditarod in my classroom as a yearlong theme. It shows our activities, bootie production, and statistical data representing academic growth from the beginning of the year to the end.
I don't know if you are interested in viewing it but I will bring it just in case.
This time next week we will be deep in the puppies! and kennels! I can't wait. 6 days to go.

2 comments:

Karen said...

Hi Bonnie, I enjoyed your story about Kristy,she is surely very special, the children must love her. What a fun bulletinboard you all created. I think your slide show sounds great. I'm sooo excited about coming to Alaska, attending the conference and meeting everyone. Here we come Alaska, :) Karen

Bonnie From FL said...

Hi Karen, I look forward to meeting you too. I can't wait for some puppy kisses!
Bonnie