A Reading Race
OBJECTIVE:
The students will read 1049 pages during Iditarod month - March. The students will become involved in a personal reading commitment.
MATERIALS:
A good book collection, including books about dogs, and dog racing
Click here for book list
Large wall map of Alaska, with race route for this year (odd or even)
This year's checkpoint list
Information and commitment contract Record sheets for book sign-up
Iditarod Race bookmarks
Certificate of completion
Marker for each student and pins for placing on the map
VOLUNTEER JOBS INVOLVED:
Sponsor: Adult at home who will check reading and sign for pages read
Race Marshall: Coordinates, encourages and records all data (i.e.: that markers are moved correctly to the next checkpoint)
Check booklist to see that books selected by students are appropriate and available.
Is in charge of "O.K. -ing" scratches (for sickness and etc.) Signs certificates and passes out prizes.
Checker: Interviews each student when appropriate number of pages are completed and keeps checkpoint records.
DESCRIPTION OF STUDENT RACE TASKS:
Sign up: Teacher talks about commitment of the mushers in a race and following through by continuing to run the race to the finish. Students sign contract for the race.
Recruit Volunteers: Recruit a Race Marshall and Checkers.
Draw for Position: Students draw for position on the map.
Race preparation: Cut out a dog and assemble gear (books, book marks for recording pages, record sheet for books)
Equipment check: Students list books that each intends to read. Teacher looks at the preliminary book list to see that books are appropriate for the student (on grade level, variety, etc.) All book lists must be checked and initialed by the Race Marshall by Friday before the Iditarod begins. The "Musher Reader" is ready to begin reading on Saturday - RACE DAY.
Reaching the checkpoint: Students read pages to equal the number of miles to the first checkpoint and brings the book(s) to the checker. They may be asked a question about the book, or asked to do an activity related to the book. When the student has completed activity at a checkpoint, the marker is moved and reading continues to the next checkpoint.
Completing the race: Upon completion of the race, prizes are given. Each participant is given a certificate of completion.
The Celebration: After the race, all of the participants and volunteers go to the banquet.
FORMATIVE EVALUATION:
Evaluation will be by observation. The teacher will check on the progress of the readers.
