Instructions for Teachers and Staff

To get the most out of this session, integrate the colouring process with active discussion:

1. Introduction: Before handing out the sheets, hold a brief circle-time discussion using the prompts below. This sets a thoughtful tone for the activity.
2. Guided Creative Time: As pupils colour, circulate the room and ask individual students about the choices they are making. For example, ‘Why did you choose those warm colours for the dog’s bed?’
3. Annotation Phase: Once the colouring is nearly complete, instruct pupils to add text to their pages. This transforms the artwork into an educational poster.

Expanded Discussion Prompts and Learning Points

What do dogs need to feel loved?

• Discuss the difference between physical needs (food/water) and emotional needs (feeling safe and part of a family).
• Key Point: Love is shown through time and attention, not just treats.

How can people show dogs kindness?

• Focus on body language and ‘Gentle Handling.’ Discuss why we should never disturb a sleeping dog or shout near them.
• Key Point: Respecting a dog's space is a primary form of kindness.

What responsibilities come with owning a dog?

• Explain that a dog relies entirely on its owner for its quality of life.
• Key Point: Responsibility includes the ‘not-so-fun’ parts, like cleaning up after them and ensuring they get exercise even when it is raining.

Classroom Ideas: Adding the ‘Voice’ of the Dog

Encourage pupils to use speech bubbles or labels to show they understand the dog’s perspective. This helps develop emotional intelligence.

• The ‘Happy’ Bubble: Ask pupils to draw a speech bubble coming from the dog that says, ‘I feel happy when you brush my fur gently’ or ‘I feel safe when I have a quiet place to sleep.’
• The ‘Care’ Label: Pupils can draw arrows to different parts of the picture. For example, an arrow to the dog's lead could be labelled, ‘My owner helps me stay fit with daily walks.’
• The ‘Promise’ List: On the back of the page, pupils can write three ‘Promises to Pets’—such as ‘I promise to always use a quiet voice’ or ‘I promise to play every day.’

Suggested Categories for Recognition

Instead of judging based on artistic talent, recognize pupils who demonstrate the best understanding of the theme:

• Most Thoughtful Annotation: For the pupil who wrote the most empathetic speech bubbles.
• Best Representation of Kindness: For using colours or added details that create a sense of calm and safety.
• Future Responsible Owner: For the pupil who contributed the most insightful points during the class discussion.

Extending the Impact

The ‘Care’ Display Organise the finished pages into a ‘Guide to Dog Care’ display in a communal area. This educates other year groups on how to interact safely and kindly with dogs they might meet in the community.

Home Connection Encourage pupils to take their finished work home to show their parents. This is particularly effective for families who already have dogs, as it allows the child to ‘teach’ the family the kindness points they learned in class.