Skype with Ice Dogs Author Terry Lynn Johnson

Today 5th graders in my Integrated Technology class had a very special surprise.  We Skyped with Ice Dogs author Terry Lynn Johnson.  Ice Dogs tells the story of teen musher Victoria Secord, who must overcome many obstacles after the death of her father and being stranded with her team of dogs in the wilderness during a snowstorm.

Johnson's presentation today not only got students excited to read Ice Dogs, but it also opened students up to the sport of dog sledding.  She shared with us stories of her past experiences as a musher and some of the equipment and gear mushers use.

Johnson also talked about the writing process, emphasizing the importance of revision.  Here is how her first draft of Ice Dogs looked after it was returned by her editor.

She had to revise six times before her book was completed! 

Then, Johnson read the beginning of Ice Dogs. 

After only a few pages, our students were hooked!  We decided that this would make a great class read-aloud.

Finally, our Skype session ended with a little trivia game and some Q&A.  Students had to guess what the words on the card meant in the sport of dog sledding.

Then, students had time to ask Johnson some questions.  Our students wanted to know what inspired her to be a writer and musher and how she became interested in dog sledding.

 

This was one of the best author Skypes that I have ever had the pleasure to be a part of.  Johnson's presentation was not only informative, but it was exciting, engaging, and got the kids hooked.  I cannot wait to read this book aloud to this group of students.  This was a fantastic way to get kids to learn more about the sport of dog sledding as well as interest them in reading and writing. A special thank you to Johnson for her enthusiasm and sharing her exciting experiences.