Native Alaskan Knowledge
1/28/2021
As a class we have been learning about the cultures, customs, and traditions of Alaskans. Across the state there are native populations with different languages, art forms, and histories. Each are unique and worthy of learning about! Although we develop new technologies, clothing, and forms of entertainment, honoring traditions are a way of respecting where we have come from and connecting us to the past. One of the traditions we learned about is the blanket toss. While it's now conducted as entertainment, it didn’t originate that way. An Iñupiaq hunter would be tossed in the air, enabling him to see across the horizon to hunt game.
Building an Igloo Igloo is the Inuit word for "snowhouse". The igloo was a means for hunters to survive brutal winters. Snow and ice work as insulators to trap body heat inside the igloo (Hoyt, 2008). The Inuit designed the igloo to be warm, sturdy and easy to construct. We are still in the process of completing our classroom "igloo". We began with the dome-like shape that will eventually allow for a roof and a completed shelter. Alaskan ExpertsOur virtual field trip this week allowed us to learn more about Alaska's land. We honored the Dena'ina land we are currently inhabiting and discussed the effects that climate change is having on Alaska. It is important that we know about our current and future impact on the land around us. As residents of Alaska, we enjoy the benefits of the outdoors and nature, therefore we have a responsibility to protect it. Totem PolesTotem Poles are a significant part of Alaskan history. Each carving tell tales of the legends and ancient stories of the Native people. Some of the greatest concentrations of currently standing totem poles are in Sitka and Ketchikan, Alaska. Hoyt, A. (2008, January 17). How Igloos Work. Retrieved January 30, 2021, from https://people.howstuffworks.com/igloo.htm
Nonfiction Writers
1/9/2021
One of my favorite parts of the writing process is sharing the final product. For our nonfiction unit, the students used the program BookCreator to publish their final draft of their informational books. They were able to choose any topic of interest to research. Their books were required to have a table of contents, at least four chapters, a glossary, and several text features. When it was time to present, we celebrated our successful unit with a "publishing party". Each student presented their book and we had cookies and juice! If I could choose one word to describe these students this week it would be courageous. It is no easy task to share something that you have created with others. In fact, public speaking is one of the biggest phobias of American adults. The students did a great job supporting each other and being good audience members. It was a great introduction into our next writing and speaking challenge: persuasive speeches! |
Jessica GrahamMs. Graham graduated from the University of Alabama with a BS in Early Childhood/Elementary Education, and is currently working on her master's in reading. She enjoys hiking, traveling, arts & crafts, and playing the ukulele. Archives
April 2021
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