Lesson Plan: Author Bio for Touching Spirit Bear
Subject: English
Grade Level: 7
Duration: 30 Minutes
Objective
Students will learn about the author of Touching Spirit Bear, Ben Mikaelsen, and his background, influences, and contributions to literature. By the end of this lesson, students will be able to summarize Mikaelsen’s biography and connect his life experiences to the themes present in Touching Spirit Bear.
Materials Needed
- Copies of Ben Mikaelsen’s biography
- Projector/screen for presentation
- Chart paper and markers
- Sticky notes
- Gallery Walk stations (posters with key points about Mikaelsen)
Lesson Outline
Introduction (5 minutes)
- Begin with a brief introduction to the book Touching Spirit Bear and its themes.
- Discuss the importance of understanding the author’s background to better appreciate the story.
- Present the lesson's objectives to the class.
Mini-Lecture on Ben Mikaelsen (10 minutes)
- Provide an overview of Ben Mikaelsen's life, including:
- His early life
- His experiences with animals and nature
- His passion for writing and storytelling
- Challenges he faced and how they influenced his work
- His purpose in writing Touching Spirit Bear
Key Points to Cover:
- Mikaelsen was adopted and faced numerous challenges as a child.
- His love for animals and nature is evident in his writing.
- Discuss the themes of healing, forgiveness, and personal growth in Touching Spirit Bear.
Group Activity: Gallery Walk (10 minutes)
- Divide the class into small groups.
- Each group will visit different stations around the classroom, each containing a poster with an aspect of Mikaelsen’s biography or thematic elements from Touching Spirit Bear.
- Students will take notes on sticky notes, reflecting on how each station connects to the story.
- After visiting all stations, groups will discuss their findings.
Class Discussion (3 minutes)
- Regroup as a class and discuss the connections students made between Mikaelsen’s life and the themes of Touching Spirit Bear.
- Encourage students to share their thoughts on how the author's background may influence a reader’s understanding of the book.
Conclusion (2 minutes)
- Summarize the key points discussed in class.
- Emphasize the significance of an author’s life experiences in shaping their work.
Homework Assignment
- Write a short essay (1-2 paragraphs) about how Ben Mikaelsen’s experiences shaped the themes in Touching Spirit Bear.
- Complete the following questions based on your understanding of the lesson:
a. What challenges did Mikaelsen face growing up?
b. Describe how Mikaelsen's love for nature is reflected in his writing.
c. What are the main themes in Touching Spirit Bear, and how do they relate to Mikaelsen's biography?
Correct Answers
- Challenges faced by Mikaelsen: He faced difficulties due to being adopted and experienced hardship in his childhood.
- Love for nature in Mikaelsen's writing: He regularly incorporates animals and the natural environment into his stories, reflecting his deep appreciation for the wilderness.
- Main themes in Touching Spirit Bear and relation to Mikaelsen’s biography: Themes include healing, forgiveness, and personal growth, which mirror Mikaelsen’s own journey of overcoming challenges and understanding the importance of connection with nature and others.
Reflection
- Have students share their essays during the next class session to further explore the connections between the author's life and the book.
- Follow up with a discussion on why understanding an author’s biography enhances comprehension of literary works.