Character Connections

• The dogs show self-control as they stand to have their harnesses put on, even though they want to run.

• The dogsledder knows that the dogs are trustworthy and can be counted on to get the job done.
• The dogs respect the authority of the dogsledder and they do as he asks.
• The dogsledder is grateful dogs will do their job and the dogs are grateful the dogsledder takes care of them.  
• The dogsledder and the team show perseverance as the team continues to run through the night in the cold and dark.
• They exhibit courage as they run with the wolves beside them.
• The dogs show loyalty to their master as they follow his direction and commands
• The team shows motivation as it strives to reach its destination.
• The dogsledder shows leadership of as he guides the dogs through the woods and across the ice.

Activities:  Teamwork is very important characteristic in Dogteam.  Have your students divide into small groups. Give each member of the group a different colored marker, crayon or pencil. Explain to them that this is the only color they can use, no trading or sharing. (For example, if the picture contains a sky, the person with the yellow draws the sun, the person with blue draws the clouds.) The group has to create a picture (for younger students you might want to tell them what picture to create, older students can come up with their own picture to create). They must use all of the colors giving to the group.

Discussion: Discuss the importance of team work and being able to work with others? Is it easier to do things as a group or individually? How did they work as a group to complete the picture?