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Sled dogs bring reading to life at Golden Ridge school
Posted: Mar 10, 2010 5:53 PM by Kay Rossi/KRTV
Updated: Mar 10, 2010 7:01 PM
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- Sled dogs bring reading to life at Golden Ridge school
Sled dogs are the driving force that help mushers get to their destination or complete a race, and near Fairfield on Wednesday, three special sled dogs are helping students achieve educational goals.
As part of an Iditarod-themed week, Golden Ridge teacher Jenny Laisnez brought the Mountain Mushers and their three sled dogs to school.
The students will read about Pixie, who directed her team away from dangerously thin ice on a frozen lake.
Laisnez said, "Having a real-life hero like Pixie in the classrooms brings stories and lessons the kids will read to life."
But Ms. Laisnez wanted her class to meet the Alaskan Husky first, saying, "I didn't want to ruin it for them or them to have any preconceived ideas about what she'll be like."
Golden Ridge School is just one stop for the Montana Mushers as they travel the country teaching students about the importance of reading.
Mountain Musher owner Lela Schlitz said, "I love teaching reading. I love sharing the ideas of reading with children and I love the dogs so it's like it's a perfect fit."
And the method of teaching is sparking an interest among students.
Student Brooke Anderson said, "The stories and stuff - it tells a lot about the dogs and you're like, those dogs must've really been cool and then they come into the classroom and they are very cool."
But the special theme is more than just fun and games.
Students learn mapping and graphing and weights and measures, and at the end of the week they'll have their own "I-KID-arod" where they be quizzed on different subjects as they race through their own course.
The Montana Mushers will be in Cascade on Friday introducing the dogs to more school children.
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Tank at Mar 12th 2010 10:41 AM
I've known Harry and Lela Schlitz for a good number of years now. Their passion for the dogs and kids is evident in all they do. I wish they'd do a trip to Fairbanks, Alaska, though I realize the difficulties therein. Keep up the GREAT work Folks!!! Love Ya! Tank
JoAnne at Mar 12th 2010 12:36 PM
I have had Harry, Lela and the *TEAM* here in Massachusetts the last 2 summers and all the kids - and the area librarians - still talk about how wonderful they all are. I have had inquiries if they will be back this summer, but sadly I have had to say no...but we are hoping for another year, even if it is fall or winter in New England. JoAnne
Deb Nelson at Mar 12th 2010 2:36 PM
I have had to glorious opportunity to meet the Sled Dog Team and must say the owners, Lela & Harry, do a superb job in both educating the children (well, adults too) and the constant care and time involved in proper caring for the animals. Lela & Harry give their all to their dogs and likewise the dogs are unconditionally giving to their perspective job of performing for the children. Reading with the kids and being so obedient and loving to them encourages the children even more so to read. They also learn the importance and value of having an animal who can give so much love and inspiration to them and the life altering experience they have survived through. What a tremendous asset this *TEAM is to the entire USA.
Deb
Jane at Mar 22nd 2010 4:33 PM
Harry, Lela, and the "Team" are the absolute best! Everyone who saw them at our library (2 summers in Massachusetts) just loved them.