Here you’ll find a variety of lesson plans, with one for each age group. Feel free to mix and match the activities that work best for your students. There’s also an alternative lesson plan at the end for even more flexibility.
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Pre-K Lesson Plan (Ages 3-4)
Learning Objectives
Identify the primary emotions experienced by animals during a transition to a new home
Recognize the role of pilots and airplanes in helping animals travel
Demonstrate empathy by describing ways to make a pet feel welcome and safe
Materials
Procedure (35 minutes)
(10 mins) Introduction and Thematic Discussion: Begin by asking the children about their experiences with pets and travel. Use the following open-ended questions: What are some ways that animals get from one place to another? How do you think a dog might feel if they were going on an airplane for the first time? What are some things we can do to make a new pet feel happy and loved? If you were a pilot, where would you want to fly a group of animals?
(10 mins) Watch the read along video of Daring Dexter. Encourage students to point out the different animals they see and describe the facial expressions of Dexter and Zeke throughout the journey.
(15 mins) Creative Activity: Paper Plate Pilots and Cardboard Planes. Have students draw a picture of themselves as a pilot or a pet passenger on a piece of paper. Then, using empty cardboard boxes, simulate a 'freedom flight' where students can place their drawings inside and pretend to fly to a new 'forever home' in the classroom.
Kindergarten Lesson Plan - Age 5
Learning Objectives
Describe the sequence of events in Dexter's journey from the street to a new home
Compare the different perspectives of Dexter and Zeke during their flight
Understand the concept of a 'forever home' and the importance of animal adoption
Materials
Procedure (40 minutes + 20 minutes optional Q&A)
(10 mins) Thematic Introduction: Engage the students in a conversation about the idea of 'home' and 'adventure.' Ask these questions: What makes a place feel like a home to you? If you were lost, who are the people in our community that could help you find your way back? Why might some animals not have a home yet? What is something brave you have done recently that felt like an adventure?
(10 mins) Watch the read along video. Pause periodically to ask the students to predict what Dexter might do next and how the illustrations help tell the story of his 'swagger.'
(20 mins) Artistic Expression: The 'New Home' Mural. Give each student a piece of paper and ask them to draw what they think Dexter's new life looks like now that he has a family. After drawing, ask students to share their work with the class and answer: How did Dexter change from the beginning of the story to the end? Why was Zeke a good friend to Dexter? What kind of art do you think Dexter will make in his new home?
(20 mins) Watch the author's Q&A interview video. Lead a discussion prompting students to come up with new questions they would like to ask the author. Example questions to start: 'What inspired you to write this?', 'How did you choose the characters?'
1st Grade Lesson Plan - Age 6
Learning Objectives
Explain how aviation technology is used as a tool for social good in animal rescue
Analyze the character traits of Dexter and how his 'swagger' reflects his personality
Summarize the relationship between Zeke and Dexter as a 'found-family' dynamic
Materials
Procedure (45 minutes + 20 minutes optional Q&A)
(10 mins) Pre-Reading Discussion: Discuss the concept of specialized jobs and helping others. Ask the students: What are some jobs that involve flying planes? How can an airplane be used for more than just carrying people on vacation? If you could use a plane to solve one problem in the world, what would it be? Why is it important to help animals that are living on the street?
(10 mins) Watch the read along video. Have students focus on how planes help transport dogs in animal rescue.
(25 mins) STEM Activity: Building a Rescue Transport. Using recycled materials like plastic bottles, paper, and tape, have students design a small 'carrier' that could safely transport a toy animal (or a paper cutout) on a plane. After building, lead a discussion: What features did you add to your transport to keep the animal comfortable? How do you think pilots feel when they see the animals reach their destination? What was the hardest part about designing your transport?
(20 mins) Watch the author's Q&A interview video. Lead a discussion prompting students to come up with new questions they would like to ask the author. Example questions to start: 'What inspired you to write this?', 'How did you choose the characters?'
2nd Grade Lesson Plan - Age 7
Learning Objectives
Analyze the theme of 'found family' and how it applies to the bond between Zeke and Dexter
Explain how friendship and trust develop between characters during a challenging experience
Write a short narrative from the perspective of an animal experiencing a 'freedom flight'
Materials
Procedure (50 minutes + 20 minutes optional Q&A)
(10 mins) Introductory Discussion: Explore the complexity of relationships and change. Ask: What does the term 'brotherhood' mean to you? How can someone become part of your family even if they aren't related to you? Why is change sometimes scary, even if it is for something good? How does having a friend make a difficult situation easier to handle?
(10 mins) Watch the read along video. Instruct students to pay attention to the dialogue between Zeke and Dexter and how their friendship develops during the flight.
(30 mins) Creative Writing: The Flight Log. Ask students to write a short journal entry from the perspective of Dexter during his first flight. Ask them to address: What do you see out the window of the plane? What are you thinking when you look at Zeke? How does your 'swagger' help you stay brave? After writing, share stories and discuss: How did your version of Dexter's thoughts differ from your classmates? What parts of the real-life story influenced your writing?
(20 mins) Watch the author's Q&A interview video. Lead a discussion prompting students to come up with new questions they would like to ask the author. Example questions to start: 'What inspired you to write this?', 'How did you choose the characters?'
Alternative Lesson Plan - Ages 3 - 7
Learning Objectives
Connect the concept of 'making art' to personal expression and identity
Identify the role of aircrews in helping homeless cats and dogs
Practice storytelling through visual media and performance
Materials
Procedure (35 minutes)
(10 mins) Thematic Discussion: Discuss the concept of creativity and community. Ask the children: What are your favorite ways to make art? If you were an animal, what kind of art would you create with your paws or tail? How do people in our community work together to help those who don't have a home? Have you ever seen a plane in the sky and wondered where it was going?
(10 mins) Watch the read along video. Focus specifically on the scenes where Dexter is described as an artist and where the 'swagger' is most visible.
(15 mins) Collaborative Art Project: The Swagger Mural. Spread large butcher paper on the floor. Have students use finger paints to create a 'swirly, swagger-filled' mural together, representing the joy and energy of Dexter and Zeke's new life. As they paint, discuss: How does this art represent Dexter’s feelings? What colors make you feel brave like a pilot? How can we show 'freedom' through our paintings?