Northern Education

There is so much to do in Fairbanks during the Summer Solstice (longest day of the year). It is often referred to as “Midnight Madness”. My husband and I started out with a trip around the downtown festival. It was hot, but such a visual smorgasbord of styles. People, entertainers and dogs of all sizes and shapes. Yes, where people gather, so too, do their dogs. I am very happy that our dog was home in her yard, away from the noise and heat of downtown.

As we navigated our way through crowds, taking in the delicious smells, we occasionally met neighbors, school children and friends. It is such a thrill to engage in such a wonderful Fairbanks tradition. We (residents of the far north) survived a winter and we long for outdoor festivals, games, concerts and picnics. Tourists marvel at the endless daylight.

We continued our walk through the throngs of people until we reached our destination. On 2nd and Noble streets there was a bluegrass group called The Northern River. We positioned ourselves in a good listening position and enjoyed the music. (Bluegrass is country music influenced by jazz and blues. It is characterized by virtuosic playing of banjos and guitars and high-pitched, close-harmony vocals.) Carl Hoffman, often referred to as the “Father of Bluegrass” in Alaska, gave the listening audience a real treat. He charmed us with his voice, as well as, his knowledge of bluegrass. Carl was surrounded by four talented musicians of various ages. It was evident that they enjoyed each other as well as their music. The audience grew in size as the music drifted throughout the festival. Children, uninhibited, danced and stomped their feet to the music. They were singing and swaying with total abandon, as if to say; If this is madness, let’s all be mad —-and keep on dancing!

Thanks to Carl Hoffman and the Northern River band we had a great solstice experience.

Life in third grade has been a wonderful learning experience for me.  After fourteen years of preparing primary students for the intermediate grades I am starting a new chapter this coming year.  I shall explore the fifth grade curriculum with new found energy and enthusiasm.  It is a change that I look forward to even though I shall miss the closeness and dedication of the primary teachers.  I have great admiration for the K-3 teachers.  I realize that each level of teaching brings its own challenges, but primary grades require and endless supply of patience and creativity.  Now, I shall learn the challenges that confront intermediate teachers.

Thanksgiving was such a great time to relax and enjoy family and friends.  I thoroughly enjoyed taking walks with my husband. We viewed the lights of town and walked over the long shadows cast by a full moon.  —–still living in and loving the north country.

Today we took our science class outside. For some of my third graders going outside is a major expedition. These young explorers were armed with notebooks, thermometers and curiosity. We wanted to know if the temperature on the surface of the snow was colder than the ground level temperature. It was such a wonderful experience taking pictures and watching them discover. They squealed and hollered when they saw the red line drop from 72 degrees (inside temperature) to 10 degrees. They talked about their findings and discussed the results like true scientist. Many students checked again and again to see if their first reading was correct. Their second task, while outdoors, was to pack a plastic container with snow. They marked on the container where the water level would be when the snow melts. I know that many of them will rush into the classroom tomorrow to see if their guess was correct.

Tomorrow we discuss insulation.

Today my students went outside to experience the wonder of snow. I have taught a snow and ice unit now for the last four years. I am amazed by how little my Alaskan students know about snow. I anticipate comments like: “Oh, not again, we did this before. .” But I am  surprised to witness their great enthusiasm and energy when we step outside. William (Snowflake) Bentley would have been pleased, by their great joy and surprise, when they caught a glimpse of a lacy snowflake with their magnifying glass. They ran around collecting and sharing their findings with each other. As the facilitator and designer of this experience I was just as excited. Tomorrow there will be more outdoor experiences for my class of eager scientists.

I am excited about starting this blog. It is my hope to share the challenges of teaching in the far north. I also hope to learn from others about teaching in warmer climates. I firmly believe that no matter what the climate, teaching can present challenges unique to the situation. After all, government regulations and testing certainly levels the field and could make paradise itself seem challenging.

Teaching In The Far North

Let me begin by saying I truly enjoy teaching in Alaska or I would not have stayed for more than thirty years.

With that said, I would like to start with temperature extremes in Alaska.  We might begin the school year with temperatures in the 60′s.  Teachers hastily arrange field trips that are in walking distance.  Knowing that your warm temperatures and daylight are limited you tend to structure outside activities in the fall and the spring. Most years by mid October we have snow on the ground and below zero on the thermometer.

    Period of Adjustment                                                              There is always a period of adjustment for teachers and students. Teachers, especially in the primary grades, start dressing for the great outdoors before the bell.  This, of course, decreases academic time.  I, as a teacher, value the  precious time away from children to refresh and prepare. I also feel children are not getting enough time to play and exercise. What is the answer?  Do teachers in warmer climates find it too warm for children to learn?