Lesson Plan: Touching Spirit Bear Chapters 4-7
Subject: English
Grade Level: 7-9
Duration: 45 minutes
Topic: Touching Spirit Bear (Chapters 4-7)
TEKS Standards
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(7.2) Reading/Comprehension of Literary Text/Plot
Students are expected to analyze the plot and the structure of a literary text.
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(7.3) Reading/Comprehension of Literary Text/Setting
Students are expected to identify the setting and its impact on the story.
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(7.6) Reading/Comprehension of Literary Text/Theme
Students are expected to analyze themes and messages in literary texts.
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(7.10) Writing/Writing Process
Students are expected to write in response to a short text to reflect on author’s message and perspective.
Objective
By the end of the lesson, students will be able to:
- Analyze the main events and character development in Chapters 4-7 of Touching Spirit Bear.
- Discuss the significance of the events and how they contribute to the overall themes of the novel.
- Complete a guided writing assignment reflecting on the chapters read.
Materials Needed
- Copies of Touching Spirit Bear (Chapters 4-7)
- Whiteboard and markers
- Graphic organizer for character development
- Handouts with guided questions for group discussion
- Homework assignment sheet
Lesson Procedure
Introduction (10 minutes)
- Begin the class with a brief recap of Chapters 1-3, highlighting key events and characters.
- Pose the question: “What do you think happens when a person is faced with the consequences of their actions?” Encourage a few students to share their thoughts.
- Introduce the focus of the lesson: discussions on Chapters 4-7, emphasizing character development and themes.
Read-Aloud/Group Reading (15 minutes)
- Have students read Chapters 4-7 in pairs or small groups.
- As they read, instruct them to use a graphic organizer to note important events and character traits related to Cole Matthews.
- Encourage students to underline or highlight passages that illustrate Cole's transformation or struggle.
Group Discussion (10 minutes)
- Form larger groups based on their earlier pairs to discuss:
- What major events occurred in Chapters 4-7?
- How do these events affect Cole’s character?
- What themes are emerging in these chapters (e.g., forgiveness, isolation, survival)?
- Facilitate the discussion by rotating among groups, prompting deeper analysis with additional questions as necessary.
Writing Activity (8 minutes)
- Ask students to respond to the following writing prompt: "How does Cole’s experience in the wilderness contribute to his understanding of himself and others?"
- Give students 5 minutes to write a short paragraph answering the question. Remind them to use specific examples from the text to support their ideas.
Closing (2 minutes)
- Invite a few students to share their responses with the class.
- Recap the main points discussed and preview the next lesson, which will cover Chapters 8-10.
Homework Assignment
Tasks:
- Read Chapters 8-10 of Touching Spirit Bear.
- Prepare a character analysis of Cole Matthews, focusing on how his outlook changes from Chapter 4 to Chapter 7. Include:
- Key events that contributed to this change
- Describe how he interacts with other characters.
- Discuss any symbols or themes that are evident in his development.
Correct Answers (for character analysis):
- Key events could include Cole's isolation, the bear encounter, and his reflections by the water.
- Changes in Cole's interactions may show increased empathy toward others, changes in behavior, or inner conflict.
- Symbols may include the spirit bear itself or elements of nature that represent healing or transformation.
Assessment
- Evaluate students’ participation in group discussions.
- Assess the writing responses for understanding of major themes and character development.
- Review the homework character analyses for comprehension of the text and proper textual support.
This lesson plan is designed to engage students actively with Touching Spirit Bear, allowing for critical thinking and thorough understanding of the text through collaborative discussions and reflective writing.