Touching Spirit Bear Final Projects
Choose one from the list below to complete
Song Writing:
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Write a song that tells about the story’s plot, main characters, life lessons, and Cole’s
Journey.
You may create an original song/rap or change the lyrics to an already existing song.
Draw an original cover for your song. This visual should be drawn on 8 ½ by 11
paper, be creative, and represent the BIG ideas of your song.
Perform the song/rap for the class in person or using video
Soundtrack:
 Create a CD of at least 4 school-appropriate songs that have similar themes to those
in Touching Spirit Bear. Print the Lyrics to the songs.
 Write a short paragraph for each song. Each paragraph should explain the theme of
the song and how it relates to the story. Don’t just say “This song is about anger and
this is a big theme in the novel Touching Spirit Bear”. Instead explain the theme of
the song and how this theme played out in the novel.
 Draw an original cover for your soundtrack. This visual should be drawn on 8 ½ by
11 paper, be creative, and represent the BIG ideas of your soundtrack.
Be the Author:
 Continue where the author left off. Write chapter 29.
 Chapter should be 2-3 pages in length, follow the plot of the story, and attempt to
imitate the writing style of Ben Mikaelsen
 Optional: Illustrate a main event from your chapter to serve as a cover
Totem Pole:
 Create a 2D or 3D totem pole
 Include 6 animals. Two animals that represent your past, two that represent your
present, and two that represent your future. The base of the totem pole should
represent your past, just like what you have done in the past is the basis for your
present and your future. Your future should be represented at the top of the
totem pole.
 Write an explanation that shows us how those animals represent your past, your
present, and your future. Your explanation should demonstrate to us what that
particular animal represents and how it connects to you. Don’t just say “I chose a
beaver because beavers are determined and I am determined.” Give an example
from something in your life that shows a time when you were very determined.
 You should have a well-written paragraph for the past, present, and future. Your
paragraphs should have examples that help the reader see what you are talking
about.
Life Lessons:
 Create 5 “Life Lesson” posters on the given paper
 Identify at least 5 life lessons that are taught in the book
 Quote the lines that reveal this life lesson and draw a picture that represents this
life lesson
 For each poster, write a paragraph that explains how this life lesson plays out in
the novel, why it is an important life lesson for Cole, and how this lesson is an
important lesson for you (or anyone) to learn.
Diorama:
 Choose an important scenes from the novel
 Create a diorama for this scene in the novel.
 Along with this detailed, creative visual representation, you will also write a
paragraph for the diorama explaining the scene, why you choose it, and why it
was an important scene in the novel.
Journal:
 Create a Journal of Cole’s year on the island.
 A minimum of 6 entries must be completed. Each journal entry should include
both writing and pictures (ex: include white yarn to represent the hair from the
spirit bear)
 Each journal entry must correspond with events that happened in the novel and
must be in chronological order.
 An illustrated cover page must be created
Poetry Book:
 Create a poetry booklet dealing with the same themes that have are presented
throughout the novel.
 You should select 10 important scenes from the novel. For each important scene
write a poem that address the theme or life lesson presented in that scene
 For each poem, write a brief introduction explaining why you choose that scene.
 An illustrated cover page must be created
Writing Requirements
All writing pieces must be typed (double spaced) or neatly written in blue/black pen.
Name, class, and date should be on the upper right hand corner.
All writing pieces must be written using correct grammar, punctuation, and spelling.
All paragraphs should be a minimum of 7 sentences. The introduction for the poetry
book should be a minimum of 3 sentences. The journal entries should be at least ½ a
page in length.
All writing should address the topic of your chosen project.
Writing should be organized, show a level of thoughtfulness, ideas should be
elaborated upon, transitions should be used to help the reader move from one idea to
another between sentences or paragraphs, and should be clear and concise.