Lesson Plan: Touching Spirit Bear Chapters 3-7
Subject: English
Grade Level: 7
Duration: 45 minutes
Topic: Touching Spirit Bear Chapters 3-7
Objectives
Students will be able to:
- Summarize key events in Chapters 3-7 of Touching Spirit Bear.
- Analyze character development of Cole Matthews during these chapters.
- Discuss themes of anger, forgiveness, and healing as presented in the story.
TEKS Alignment
- (7) Reading/Comprehension of Literary Text/Theme and Genre: The student understands, makes inferences, and draws conclusions about the structure and elements of fiction.
- (7) Reading/Comprehension of Literary Text/Analysis: The student analyzes the author's purpose and how it is conveyed in various texts.
- (8) Writing/Writing Process: The student uses the writing process to compose texts.
Materials Needed
- Copies of Touching Spirit Bear
- Whiteboard and markers
- Projector (optional)
- Graphic organizers for character analysis
- Class handouts with discussion questions
Lesson Overview
Introduction (5 minutes)
- Begin with a brief review of Chapters 1-2. Ask students to share what they remember about Cole's character and his situation.
- Introduce Chapters 3-7, highlighting that these chapters focus on Cole’s experiences after the bear attack and how they lead to his personal growth.
Direct Instruction (15 minutes)
- Read key excerpts from Chapters 3-7 aloud, emphasizing Cole's internal struggles and interactions with the other characters.
- Use the whiteboard to create a character map for Cole Matthews, noting changes and significant events that affect him.
Guided Discussion (10 minutes)
- Pose the following questions to the class:
- How does Cole react to being isolated on the island?
- What important realizations does Cole begin to have about himself and his behavior?
- Discuss the role of the Spirit Bear in Cole’s journey. What does it symbolize?
- Encourage students to share their thoughts, providing evidence from the text to support their ideas.
Group Activity (10 minutes)
- Divide students into small groups and assign each group a theme to explore (e.g., anger, forgiveness, healing).
- Each group will create a graphic organizer that includes quotes from the text that relate to their theme and discuss how these themes are represented through Cole's actions and thoughts.
Closing (5 minutes)
- Regroup and have each group present their findings to the class.
- Wrap up the lesson by emphasizing how Cole's journey is about overcoming personal challenges and the importance of understanding one's own emotions.
Homework Assignment
Task: Write a reflective paragraph (5-7 sentences) answering the question: "How does Cole's experience with the Spirit Bear alter his perspective on life and his relationships with others?" Use specific examples from Chapters 3-7 to support your answer.
Correct Answers (for Teacher Reference)
- Answer should include:
- Initial anger and resentment towards his situation.
- Revelation of his vulnerability and the importance of connection to nature.
- Understanding the consequences of his actions through the bear's treatment.
- Reference to specific moments, such as the bear’s appearance and the lessons learned from isolation.
This lesson plan aims to provide Year 7 students with a deeper understanding of character development and thematic exploration in Touching Spirit Bear, fostering both analytical skills and emotional growth.