08 | December | 2013 | Teaching on the Tundra

The weekends in Eek, Alaska include a couple different activities. In Eek there are no bars, no shopping malls and no parks to explore. However, we find plenty to do. A walk to the post office (or “the post” as we say) can prove to be an adventure. You can get a slushy and a movie. While you walk you may end up gathering students to join you in a walk to the Kuskokwim River. Other days, you may try to keep to yourself and walk over to the school to plan—and end up fostering a movie afternoon in your classroom.

Friday, Kayla and I had some students from her room come over and decorate our apartment for Christmas. It turned out to be a good little activity for the kids and us.

Our homemade Christmas decor

Merry Christmas to Kayla Jesi its all about LOVE

yes.

I have yellow hair.

I also had a movie night Friday in my classroom. All the students that did not have missing work were welcome: (6/15) were able to carry out this task. We watched Elf, drank hot co-co, and then Kayla and I watched them play “not it” with a ping-pong ball.

I took a video of that…

This morning I walked to the post with Kayla. We diverted down to the river to see if it was still frozen. Surprisingly, Alaska is a balmy 34 degrees. The snow is all melted—and Eek is the original mud pit that it was when I first arrived.

sunrise 11:00

post office steps.

kuskokwim

mountains

Katja (Kah-jah)

Did I mention this weekend we are dog sitting?

not a flattering picture of Kayla

houses

boardwalk

the fenced in thing on stilts is the outdoor ball court.

grocery

transportation in Eek.

Eek Store

Kayla’s students and our walking buddies.

Katja likes someone….

looking at the River….

This afternoon I wrote out about 19 Christmas cards. I made the famous “slutty brownies” and some chocolate chip cookies earlier. I also spend a good amount of time talking with Clinton and reminding myself that I get to see him soon.