Iditarod Reading Event

The Annual Great Alaskan Reading Event March 6th-April 3rd,

Welcome to the Harmony House Annual Iditarod Reading Event. Students will be completing reading summaries as part of their reading homework. Students will move along the Iditarod race trail here at school. Each book they read will bring them to a new checkpoint along the trail.

This is optional. Students who do choose to participate will not have to fill out the regular reading log during the month of March. If students choose not to participate they should continue to do the regular reading log and return it on Friday as usual. A small prize will be given to all children who complete the 16 summaries. It is definitely possible to read more than 16 books in a month!

There are a total of 25 checkpoints along the trail. So in order to reach the end, students will need to read and summarize at least 6-7 books per week over the next month. Iditarod reading logs will be in their Friday folders. They can also bring extra logs home for the weekend. We also have opportunities for the students to complete these at school during reading times. Other prizes will be awarded for reaching the 20" check point and the 25" checkpoint.

We want each child to do their own writing when they complete their summaries. Families can encourage neat handwriting and complete sentences. We will be talking with your child about the expectation for this project. Individual student abilities and grade level will be taken into consideration when teachers look at logs.

*Children must choose books that are on their own reading level; “Just Right” books. Chapter book reading is highly encouraged for those who are ready. At any time, a teacher or other adult may ask questions about books read to make sure they read and understood the book.

Sample summary:
Title: The Doll People 
Author: Ann M. Martin 
This book was about: A family of dolls who are alive. When their owners are not around they move around, talk, and even go on adventures. In the chapters I read Annabelle Doll and Tiffany went into the attic to see if they could find Auntie Sarah. She has been missing from the doll house for over 40 years.

Every year we hear from parents that students are motivated by this event. Classes will be doing other learning around the Iditarod throughout the month of March as well.

Here is a link to the Iditarod reading log in case you wish to print extra copies at home.

Sincerely, The Harmony House Teachers