Creativity beyond the classroom in Klukwan

With the onset of COVID and all the unknowns all teachers were about to experience, Tracey Thomas began to prepare last summer. Thomas knew that all educators would have to think outside the box. Thomas began to grapple with the different platforms and online curriculum when there was a need to fill a position in Klukwan, AK. Thomas explains, "I was familiar with Chatham School District and the community, so I interviewed and when offered the position, did not hesitate to say yes. I have always been one to accept new challenges and this was my latest."

Part of the initial plan was to get all students together at least once a week, outside, teaching them about the land, its cultural history, and native plants and animals.  Eventually, classes became hybrid. Students started coming a few days a week and received instruction at home on the others.  Thomas worked throughout the transition, meeting with a small group once a week, making sure all students received supplemental materials and keeping families connected with the school community.

Friday outdoor classes continued, learning about water supply, migration of salmon, bear habitats, the study of owls, cross-country skiing, outdoor survival, snowshoeing, identification of animal tracks, and more, inviting guest speakers and parent volunteers.  Thomas also started beginning weeks with Monday morning chats online with elders from the community who share stories and make the connections.  Thomas says, "One of the most important aspects of learning is getting students outside, not only outside in their community but bringing the outside world into the classroom."

Now Chatham School District is at a stage where students are attending 5 days a week. Project-based learning is one of the best ways Thomas is listening to what they are interested in and incorporating those interests into lesson planning. Thomas shares, "Whether we have learned about the nearby bear's den by building them and investigating temperature, body fat, and heat loss, or learning about the galaxy and all our planets, students love to not only see visual representations, they love to create and be a part of those representations."

Here is an example of one such project:

With the cold weather, Thomas decided to begin a journey to the polar regions. Students first compared the North and South Poles, using a Venn diagram and looking up and sharing facts.  Then students created dioramas to show the polar environment and animals. This week they were able to choose a penguin of choice to learn more and share with classmates, as well as create a life-size penguin to display.  Tracey has learned "Cooperation, collaboration, learning is a process and once students understand the need to learn much more."