Eight for Each State - Alaska | Your Morning Basket

Welcome to the Eight For Each State US Geography tour. I am so glad you are joining us.

Be sure to check out all of our US Geography resources to help you plan a complete study of the USA.

Alaska conjures up thoughts of snow, ice, glaciers, polar bears, beautiful lights in the sky, and Eskimos. Alaska is so far away from our very Southern home that it seems almost another world. This makes it especially fun to study. Of course the stories Grandma and Grandpa tell of living there help make it exiting too.

1. L is for Last Frontier by Carol Crane

PinThere are many books about Alaska for children. We have kept with the Discover America Sate by State books because we love them so much. However, here are a few more that are also good to look for.

Once Upon Alaska: A Kid’s Photo Book by Mark Kelley – The photographs in this book are stunning. The text is short and allows the reader to enjoy long looks at the beautiful Alaska landscape.

Alaska by Shelley Gill – The reviews on Amazon for this one make it a promising substitute for our favorite alphabet state books. I may try this one the next time we hit Alaska in a US Geography study.

2. Alaska Introductory Videos

I don’t know about you, but Alaska is not a state we may ever visit. I would like to, but it is very far away. For now, these videos help me and my children to experience what Alaska is like despite the distance.

Alaska – 50 States – US Geography

Alaska – US Embassy Vienna

3. Salmon Life Cycle

PinSalmon is a huge industry in Alaska. We enjoyed learning about the amazing life cycle of this interesting fish with these resources.

Salmon Stream by Carol Reed-Jones – Beautifully illustrated picture book telling the life cycle of the salmon with a sing song text reminiscent of the song “A Hole in the Bottom of the Sea.”

A King Salmon Journey by Debbie S. Miller – Told from the point of view of one female King Salmon, this story takes you through the amazing journey of these fish returning to where they were born to lay eggs.
Life Cycle Coloring Page – Color the life cycle, talk about the names of the stages and match them to the stories above.
Life Cycle of Salmon

4. Moose Tracks Ice Cream

We went with easy for Alaska. Moose Tracks ice cream is a huge treat here. Because we have a peanut allergy I also picked up Bear Tracks which is also supper yummy!

If you are feeling up to it, and enjoy fish, try some Baked Salmon from The United States Cookbook.

5. Iditarod Race

PinThe highlight of the winter season in Alaska is the Iditarod race. Anything that includes animals is a sure win for my daughter Sarah Joan. We enjoyed learning more with these resources.

Iditarod Race Map – A map on the official web site.

The Great Serum Race: Blazing the Iditarod Trail by Debbie S. Miller – The race that started it all! A beautiful book about the race of mercy to deliver medicine to a town besieged by diphtheria.

Togo by Robert J. Blake – We own and love books by Robert J. Blake. His illustrations enhance the story, giving it the feeling of snow and cold. The stories have become favorites, my children asking them to be read again and again. There is something magical about this faraway world. Akiak: A Tale From the Iditarod and Painter and Ugly are two more we love.

Storm Run: The Story of the First Woman to Win the Iditarod Sled Dog Race by Libby Riddles – A story for everyone on what it takes to win this great race.

Iditarod unit study with more links and resources

Make a Sled – What fun! My girls love a project! I know we will enjoy this project.

6. Alaskan Natives

The Inuit of Alaska are different than any other Native American we have yet studied in our US Geography study. The climate and landscape of Alaska helped to form a unique culture.

There are plenty of books on the Alaskan Natives to be found. Choose one at yourPin library and get a good overview. Then enjoy one or more of these fun activities!

Make an Igloo – Use sugar cubes or use a cup with cotton balls or marshmallows glued to the outside to make an igloo.
Make a Lapbook – A free resource for signing up!
Totem Tale by Deb Vanasse – A totem pole comes to life! What happens when it it is time to get back in line though? Can the creatures agree on who goes on top of whom?
Alaskan Totem Pole Snack – This is a fun resource after exploring the many totem poles of Alaska

7. The Blizzard’s Robe by Robert Sabuda

When I first saw this book several years ago I just knew we needed to add it to our library. It is one of the most beautifully illustrated books I have ever seen. We read it over and over again, enjoying the pictures and the lovely story about how one act of kindness changed the world.

Visit our 31 Days of Picture Books post on this book for more activities and resources.

8. Alaskan Wildlife

Alaska has amazing wildlife. Spend some time learning about the unique characteristics of animals who live in this harsh yet beautiful environment.

Wildlife in Alaska: A Children’s Animal Picture Book

Arctic Animal Activities

IMAX Alaska: Spirit of the Wild

L Is for Last Frontier: An Alaska Alphabet (Discover America State by State)Pin Once Upon Alaska: A Kid’s Photo BookPin AlaskaPin Salmon StreamPin A King Salmon JourneyPin The United States Cookbook: Fabulous Foods and Fascinating Facts From All 50 StatesPin The Great Serum Race: Blazing the Iditarod TrailPin TogoPin Akiak: A Tale From the IditarodPin Painter and UglyPin Storm Run: The Story of the First Woman to Win the Iditarod Sled Dog RacePin Totem Tale: A Tall Story from Alaska (PAWS IV)Pin The Blizzard’s RobePin Wildlife in Alaska: A Children’s Animal Picture Book (Big Kid Books)Pin

What is your favorite thing about Alaska?



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Jessica

Contributor at pambarnhill.com

Jessica Lawton is a homeschool mom to five fantastically fabulous children. Her hobbies include book collecting, knitting, reading, and birdwatching. While teacher or writer were never on her list of Things to Be When I Grow Up, she curiously finds herself doing both, and enjoying it. This only strengthens her firmly held belief that God has better plans for us than we have for ourselves.