Shiloh's Safe Haven: Designing a Dream Shelter

Materials Needed:

• "Shiloh" by Phyllis Reynolds Naylor
• Large paper or poster board
• Drawing/coloring supplies (crayons, markers, colored pencils)
• Optional: Craft supplies (construction paper, scissors, glue, fabric scraps, yarn, pipe cleaners, small cardboard boxes, natural materials like twigs or leaves)

Welcome! Today, we're diving deeper into the world of "Shiloh" and thinking about what it means to care for animals and make tough choices, just like Marty does.

Part 1: Reading and Reflecting (Approx. 20-30 minutes)

Let's read a chapter (or a few chapters) of "Shiloh." As we read, pay close attention to:

• How Marty feels about Shiloh.
• The problems Marty faces trying to protect Shiloh.
• What Shiloh needs to feel safe and happy.

(Teacher/Parent reads aloud the selected portion of the book.)

Part 2: Heart-to-Heart Chat (Approx. 10-15 minutes)

Now that we've read, let's talk about it:

• What big decision or secret is Marty dealing with in the part we just read? How do you think he feels?
• If you were Marty, what would you be most worried about for Shiloh?
• What are some of the things Shiloh needs to be safe? What does he need to be happy? (Think beyond just food and water!)
• Why is it sometimes hard to do the right thing, even when you know what it is?

Part 3: Creative Challenge - Design Shiloh's Dream Safe Haven! (Approx. 30-45 minutes)

Imagine you could build the perfect, safest, and happiest place for Shiloh (or any animal that needs a loving home). Now's your chance to design it!

Your Mission:

1. Brainstorm: Think about everything an animal like Shiloh would need and want. Consider:
   • Safety & Security: How will you keep him safe from harm (like Judd Travers, bad weather, or other dangers)?
   • Comfort: Where will he sleep? What will make it cozy?
   • Food & Water: How will he get his meals and drinks?
   • Play & Fun: What can he do for fun and exercise?
   • Love & Companionship: How will he know he's loved and not alone? (Maybe a special spot for Marty to visit?)
2. Design & Create: Use your large paper and art supplies to draw, build, or create a model of Shiloh's Dream Safe Haven. You can:
   • Draw a detailed picture or map of the haven.
   • Use craft supplies to build a 3D model.
   • Label different parts of your haven and explain what they are for.
   Be creative! There are no wrong answers. Think about what would make an animal feel truly cherished.

Part 4: Show and Tell Your Haven (Approx. 5-10 minutes)

Once your Dream Safe Haven is complete, let's share it!

• Tell me about your design. What are the most important parts?
• Why did you include certain features? How do they help Shiloh (or your chosen animal)?
• How does your design show that you understand what Marty wants for Shiloh?

Extension Ideas (Optional):

• Write a short story about a day in Shiloh's Dream Safe Haven.
• Research local animal shelters or rescue organizations. What do they provide for animals? How can people help?
• Create a list of "Top 5 Ways to Be a Responsible Pet Owner."

Great job today thinking with your heart and your creative mind! You've shown a lot of empathy for Shiloh and Marty.