Activities
and
Discussion
Questions
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Ben Mikaelsen’s web page.
About the Author
Characters
Vocabulary
Chapter Summaries
Activities
Assessment of Novel
Writing Prompts
Discussion Questions
Chapters 1-2
Chapters 3-5
Chapters 6-8
Chapters 9-12
Chapters 13-15
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Chapters 16-18
Chapters 19-21
Chapters 22-25
Chapters 26-28
Chapter Summary
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Chapters 1-2
Chapters 16-18
Chapters 3-5
Chapters 19-21
Chapters 6-8
Chapters 22-25
Chapters 9-12
Chapters 26-28
Chapters 13-15
Vocabulary
Give one synonym and one antonym for each word.
Chapters 1-2
Chapters 16-18
Chapters 3-5
Chapters 19-21
Chapters 6-8
Chapters 22-25
Chapters 9-12
Chapters 26-28
Chapters 13-15
Ben Mikaelsen
Author Ben Mikaelsen, has won the International Reading
Association Award and the Western Writer's Golden Spur
Award. In addition, his novels have won many state
Reader's Choice awards. These novels include Rescue
Josh McGuire, Sparrow Hawk Red, Stranded, Countdown,
Petey, Touching Spirit Bear, Red Midnight , Tree Girl and
Ghost of Spirt Bear. His novel's, Rescue Josh McGuire,
Petey and Touching Spirit Bear have also been optioned
for screen use.
Ben's articles and photos have appeared in numerous
magazines around the world. His novels have been
carried by Scholastic and Troll book fairs, and are
recorded on unabridged audio tape with recorded
books. Recently Ben was featured nationally on Jack
Hanna's Animal Adventures and also on German national
TV.
Ben lives in a log cabin near Bozeman, Montana, with a 750
pound black bear that he adopted and has raised for the
last twenty five years.
Characters
Cole Matthews: a 15-year-old juvenile delinquent
consumed with anger.
Peter Driscal: the boy who turned Cole in for robbing a
hardware store; Cole beats him in retaliation.
Garvey: Cole’s parole officer and a Tlingit Indian
Edwin: a Tlingit elder who helps with Circle Justice; has
also spent time on the island in banishment; tells Cole about
the Spirit Bear.
William Matthews: Cole’s abusive, alcoholic father
Cindy Matthews: Cole’s timid, alcoholic mother
Rosey: the nurse who cares for Cole
Chapters 1-2
Summary
Cole Matthews is a 15-year-old juvenile delinquent whose
parents have gotten him out of trouble many times when he
pretends to be sorry for crimes he has committed. This time
Cole is in trouble because he beat up a kid who told
authorities that Cole had robbed a hardware store. After
three months in a juvenile detention cell, Cole is allowed to
participate in Circle Justice, a Native American plan of
healing, not punishment. He will spend a year alone on an
island in Southeast Alaska. Cole thinks he has fooled
everyone once again and will escape the island. As soon as
the skiff that brought him to the island leaves, he rages and
sets fire to the small wooden shelter and all the supplies that
he was provided.
Chapter 1-2 Vocabulary
defiantly (3)
slime (6)
ignited (25)
omen (3)
disinfectant (8)
venomous (27)
banishment (3)
grudgingly (16)
violent (4)
shrouded (17)
juvenile (4)
irritation (24)
smirk (5)
smoldered (25)
Numbers denote on which pages words can be found.
Chapter 3-5 Vocabulary
sullenly (29)
scoffed (37)
Collapsed (49)
specific (30)
wavered (51)
mimicked (30)
acknowledged
(43)
obligations (44)
frigid (36)
rejected (48)
Numbers denote on which pages words can be found.
Chapter 6-8 Vocabulary
taunted (56)
isolation (66)
eternity (79)
unflinching (58)
charred (69)
inconvenience (82)
persistent (61)
turbulent (70)
disobeyed (63)
cavity (73)
welts (64)
landscape (75)
consequences
(65)
nauseating (79)
Numbers denote on which pages words can be found.
Chapter 9-12 Vocabulary
haphazard (88)
fragile (97)
surged (118)
relentlessly (89) suffocating (100) delirium (119)
torrents (90)
survive (107)
paralyzed (91)
dredged (108)
stench (94)
bombarded (116)
solitary (97)
parched 117)
Numbers denote on which pages words can be found.
Chapter 13-15 Vocabulary
creased (122)
therapy (139)
diminished (150)
vengeance (128)
linoleum (151)
warrant (138)
circulation
(139)
noticeably
(146)
violated (147)
testify (138)
reverently (147)
reluctantly (137)
significant (152)
verdict (155)
Numbers denote on which pages words can be found.
Chapter 16-18 Vocabulary
commitment
(162)
scouring (162)
potential (163)
Numbers denote on which pages words can be found.
Chapter 19-21 Vocabulary
galvanized (190)
awning (193)
quizzically
(204)
trance (205)
pursuit (193)
hypnotic (206)
regained (208)
talons (215)
Numbers denote on which pages words can be found.
Chapter 22-25 Vocabulary
hectic (226)
writhed (231)
treacherous
(237)
Numbers denote on which pages words can be found.
Chapter 26-28 Vocabulary
assaulted (260)
incident (268)
massive (285)
withdrawn (268) incredible (278)
Numbers denote on which pages words can be found.
Chapters 1-2
Discussion questions
1. Cole must wear his clothes inside out for two
weeks. Why? Cole takes off his clothes in front of
the villagers on the shore. What does this say
about his character?
2. Cole thinks Edwin acts fearless, but Cole believes
everyone is afraid of something. Does that include
him? What is he afraid of How does a person look
fearless.
Chapters 1-2
Answers
1. It will show his humility and shame. He’s not at all
ashamed and wants to thwart any symbol of
humility.
2. Cole is afraid of jail. See page 5 for how a person
looks fearless.
Chapters 1-2
Discussion questions
3. Cole believes there will always be another last
chance. Why?
4. Cole always blames someone else for his
behavior. Give examples from the book. What
does this say about his maturity level?
Chapters 1-2
Answers
3. He’s been bailed out of trouble over and over by his
parents, even though he’s told each time is his last
chance. He doesn’t believe them anymore and
doesn’t fear a punishment that never happens. P. 6
4. If Peter had known how to fight back, Cole wouldn’t
be in detention. p. 8 If his television privileges
hadn’t been taken away, he wouldn’t have trashed his
room and bloodied his knuckles. Pp. 22-23
Chapters 1-2
Discussion questions
5. Circle Justice tries to heal, not punish. How
does it work?
6. Why would Cole say he isn’t afraid of dying?
Chapters 1-2
Answers
5. The person who has caused injury to someone or
something must take responsibility for his
actions and make amends. It requires the
cooperation of the person who has been
harmed, and the person who has caused injury
must want to change his behavior. pp. 10-12
6. He’s convinced himself that he fears nothing
and that others are morons. P. 14, 17
Chapters 1-2
Discussion questions
7. Why does Cole burn down his only shelter?
8. Prediction: Who will be Cole’s sponsor?
9. Prediction: Will Cole touch the Devil’s Club?
Chapters 1-2
Answers
7. His rage overcomes his good sense, and he gives
into it. He doesn’t seem to comprehend cause
and effect. Pp. 24-25
8. Prediction: Who will be Cole’s sponsor?
9. Prediction: Will Cole touch the Devil’s Club?
Chapters 3-5
Summary
Cole stares at the fire and thinks back to a meeting with
Garvey, his parole officer, but then looks at the fire again
and laughs a demonic laugh. He takes off his clothes and
starts swimming toward a nearby island. The frigid water
numbs his legs, but he keeps swimming and thinks about
the first Hearing Circle where his parents, Peter and others
gave their opinion of what should happen to him. He
swims until he notices that the tide is taking him back to
the island. He collapses on the shore, crawls a bit, then
sleeps. When he awakens, he catches a glimpse of the
Spirit Bear and threatens to kill it. At dawn he sees the
at.oow and wraps himself in it.
Chapters 3-5
Discussion questions
1. What does Cole think are the ingredients of his
“cake”? Are these the types of experiences that make a
person who he is?
2. Champ is what Garvey usually calls Cole, but after a
discussion about the Hearing Circle, Garvey calls him
Chump. Why? What does this say about Garvey’s
attitude toward Cole?
3. There are many Circles of Understanding including
Talking Circles, Peace-making Circles, Community
Circles, Bail Circles, Sentencing Circles, and Hearing
Circles. Why isn’t Cole’s presence required at all of
them?
Chapters 3-5
Answers
1. His life has been make of times he was teased, times of
loneliness, times he’s been arrested, times his parents
have argued, times his drunken dad has beaten him,
and times his drunken mom has ignored him. P. 30
2. He’s usually encouraging, but this time he’s
discouraged with Cole’s attitude. P. 33
3. His presence might discourage healing, and many
people who have been affected by Cole’s violence need
to heal. P. 34-35
Chapters 3-5
Discussion questions
4. At Circle Justice, Cole doesn’t like holding
hands with his parents. Compare the way his
parents hold his hands. What do their
individual grips say about their characters?
5. Cole is moved by Peter’s slow, halting speech.
Who does he blame for Peter’s injuries?
6. Why doesn’t Cole regret burning the shelter and
supplies and hurting Peter?
7. Prediction: Will the at.oow become precious to
Cole?
Chapters 3-5
Answers
4. His mother’s is a weak squeeze, and his father’s
is iron-hard. His mother’s grip shows very
little assurance, and his father’s is an angry
grip. P. 37
5. He blames Peter. If Peter had kept his mouth
shut, Cole wouldn’t have had to beat him. P. 40
6. He is still set on revenge and blaming someone
else for his actions. P. 45
7. Explain your prediction.
Chapters 6-8
Summary
As Cole gets dressed, he thinks of Circle Justice and his
lying father. He coaxes some embers of the burned
shelter into a flame and feeds the fire. He blames
Garvey for his isolation on the island. At the Circle,
Cole had suggested sending him some place where he
couldn’t hurt anyone, but not to jail. Garvey had
suggested taking Cole to the island. The bear appears
again, and Cole makes a spear to fight it, but the bear
disappears. He finds a dead fish and cooks and eats it
while he awaits the tide. The bear appears again, and
Cole approaches to fight. The bear mauls Cole,
breaking his arm, leg, ribs, and pelvis. Cole lies in the
rain, awaiting death.
Chapters 6-8
Discussion questions
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
At the Circle Justice meeting, Garvey says that Cole isn’t the only problem,
but he’s a symptom of a bigger problem. What other problems are there?
The Circle’s solution to Cole’s problem must include protecting society from
Cole’s violence and making him responsible for his own actions. Why isn’t
locking him in jail a good solution?
At the end of the Circle meeting, Cole refuses to hold his parents’ hands so
they won’t know how sweaty his hands are. What does this say about Cole’s
character?
What does Garvey mean when he says living on the island will be hard
because Cole can’t manipulate a storm, lie to his hunger, and cheat the cold?
Why doesn’t Cole back away from the bear?
Why does Cole kill the caterpillar? What does this say about his character?
Has it changed since the beginning of the book?
Prediction: Will Cole see the bear again?
Chapters 6-8
Answers
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
The family unit and the community have broken down. Many people at the
Circle meeting have emotional or physical damage, including Cole’s parents.
Solutions for Cole’s family may involve better communication and less
alcohol consumption. P. 49.
His physical needs will be provided for, and it achieves the first goal, but not
the second. P. 50
He talks as though he fears nothing, but he’s disturbed y all that’s been said
about him. P. 51
Garvey knows that Cole is a cheater, a liar, and a manipulator. Those bad
attributes sometimes work against other people, but they will not work
against nature. Cole will find that he cannot control nature. P. 57
The bear’s stillness gives him courage, so he thinks the bear is afraid of him.
All his hurt and anger won’t let him turn back, and he wants to be in control
of the bear. P. 64
He thinks he is teaching it a lesson., but he;s trying to exert some control over
a situation where he is helpless. P. 71-72
Chapters 9-12
Summary
Cole lies in the rain in pain. He watches a mother sparrow
feed her babies in a nearby tree and feels anger. The
Spirit Bear returns, but just looks at him. When
lightning strikes a tree, Cole wonders if the little birds
are okay. He sees the dead little birds and decides he
wants to live. He eats grass, worms, and bugs. He
covers parts of his body with mud to keep the
mosquitoes away. The Spirit Bear returns and comes
close to him. Cole thinks the bear may kill him, but he
feels trust, and he reaches out and touches it. He drifts
in and out of consciousness. He thinks birds are
attacking him when Garvey and Edwin arrive and take
him off the island in a skiff.
Chapters 9-12
Discussion questions
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
Why does Cole feel such anger toward the mother sparrow and her young?
How does he feel after lightning hits the tree? Why have his feelings
changed?
Once Cole decides to live, he figures out that his power of making people
afraid of him is fake. What is the real power? What has changed his
thoughts?
The author goes into great detail about Cole eating the mouse. How is the
death of the mouse different from the first caterpillar Cole kills? What would
you eat if you were in Cole’s situation?
Each time the Spirit Bear comes, Cole feels different emotions. Why does
his attitude toward the bear change?
Why does the Spirit Bear treat Cole with mere curiosity when Cole sees it the
last time? Do you know someone who has treated animals badly?
Although Cole is in horrible physical shape, he tells Garvey that he’s okay.
What does he mean by this statement?
Prediction: Will Cole be taken back to the island when he’s well?
Chapters 9-12
Answers
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
He sees the sparrow treating her young as he would have liked to have been
treated by his mother. He wonders if they are okay. P. 75, 79
Power to make choices. He thinks of the baby birds and what their lives
represented. P. 83-84
The mouse provides nourishment for Cole; he killed the first caterpillar out
of spite. P. 88-89
He’s fearful of death at first, then he’s defiant, and the final time he is calm
and accepts that if he dies, then it is his time. He understands the circle of
life. P. 76, 91-96
The bear has treated him as he’s been treated. Edwin told Cole, “Whatever
you to to the animals, you do to yourself” (p.18) p. 91-96
He means that he is at peace with himself and nature. P. 102
Explain your prediction.
Chapters 13-15
Summary
Cole has nightmares as he awaits transfer to the hospital.
Garvey says he’s very sorry he got Cole into this, but Cole
admits it’s his own fault. He tells about the Spirit Bear, but
doesn’t think anyone believes him. Six months later he
gets out of the hospital and knows that he has changed. He
goes to his detention cell and then to the Justice Circle.
His father doesn’t come to the Circle, but his mother has
quit drinking and talks to Cole about starting over. Cole’s
father has been charged with child abuse, and Cole learns
that his grandparents beat his father. He hopes not to carry
on that cycle of abuse. The Circle talks of sending Cole to
the court system, and Cole is resigned to that fate. Edwin
comes to the Circle from Alaska. He and Garvey convince
the Circle to allow Cole to go back to the island.
Chapters 13-15
Discussion questions
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
As Cole lay near death at Rosey’s, Garvey tells him he’s sorry he got him
into this. Cole says it was his fault. What does this say about Cole’s
attitude? Has Cole changed for good? Why or why not?
Cole wants something to take away the monsters in his dream and in his
life. Rosey tells him only he can do that. How can he do this?
Cole says he’s done being mad, but Edwin tells him, “Anger is a memory
never forgotten. You only tame it” (p. 110). Do you agree with this? Why
or why not?
Cole’s dad was abused as a child. He is abusive to Cole. How do you feel
toward Cole’s dad now that you understand him better?
Edwin says people change in two ways—with slow persistent pressure or
by a significant happening. Do you agree with his analysis of change?
Which way do you think works better and why?
What is the difference between changing overnight and changing
direction? Which is more likely?
What is the tone of the book so far? Cite examples to support your answer.
Prediction: Will Cole succeed on the island this time?
Chapters 13-15
Answers
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
He’s not blaming someone else for the situation he’s in. P. 105
He must take responsibility for his life and how it affects others. P. 105108
Edwin believes that anger will always lie below the surface, but a person
must learn to control it.
He is still in charge of his own life and makes his own decisions. You may
be more sympathetic, but Cole’s dad must live with the consequences of
his actions. P. 121-122
P. 127 128 answers will vary. (opinion)
As Edwin says, people don’t change completely overnight, but changing
direction is the first step in changing permanently. P. 128
The tone is serious with major themes of behavior modification and
learning forgiveness of oneself and others. (This is an inference)
Explain your prediction.
Chapters 16-18
Summary
Cole sells his possessions to earn money for his
banishment. He, Garvey, and Edwin set out for
the island with supplies onboard. The two
Tlingits teach Cole how to value food and how
to build a shelter, but Cole must do all the work.
Edwin takes Cole to a frigid pond each
morning. The three perform whale dances one
evening. Edwin tells Cole he should honor his
ancestors.
Chapters 16-18
Discussion questions
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Cole doesn’t want to part with his sports equipment. Do you think Cole
bought his snowmobile and dirt bike with money he earned? Who gave him
those things?
Garvey and Edwin believe in Cole’s potential, but don’t believe he’s earned
trust. How can people earn trust?
Cole tosses and turns his first night on the island. He wants Peter to get
better, but he’s growing angry. What does this say about his character?
Edwin says a person develops a habit of looking at either the cloudy or the
sunny side of life. Do you think a person can control how he looks at his
problems?
The Tlingits tell Cole he should eat more breakfast and wear gloves, but he
chooses not to, and they don’t insist. What is their method of teaching him?
Prediction: Will Garvey and Edwin tell Cole what crimes they committed?
Chapters 16-18
Answers
1.
With no mention of a part-time job and because that type of
responsibility wouldn’t match Cole’s attitude, you can assume
his parents bought these things. P. 134
2. Keep their word; they obey the law; they are responsible for
their actions. P. 137
3. He’s very confused and hasn’t managed to control his anger.
He wants Peter to get better because of what he’s been through
the last few months in the hospital. Living the same experience
helps a person become empathetic. P. 141
4. Answers will vary. P. 144-146
5. He must live with his choices. He’ll be hungry, and he’ll get
blisters, but he will learn form his mistakes. P. 147-149
6. Explain your prediction.
Chapters 19-21
Summary
Cole is tired and says he’s going to bed in defiance of an order
to fix supper and dance the wolf dance. The Tlingits say
they will take him off the island, and he pleads for them to
let him stay. He fixes supper and dances alone. The next
morning he goes to the pond, caries the ancestor stone to
the top of the hill, and catches a glimpse of the Spirit Bear.
He says he’s learned he must forgive others the harm
they’ve done him. He’s allowed to finish the cabin, and he
fixes a great feast. The two men leave the next day. Cole
cuts wood and makes furniture. He finds a huge log and
starts to make a canoe to escape, but changes his mind and
starts carving a totem pole instead. Edwin checks on him
after four days, and Cole tells him the truth about the
canoe.
Chapters 19-21
Discussion questions
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Why does Cole’s bad attitude return at the camp? What does this say about
Cole’s promise to change?
Cole thinks of lying about going to the pond and carrying the ancestor rock.
What stops him?
Cole leaves the pond when he finishes his soak, not because he’s too cold or
impatient. How do you think Cole knows when he is finished with his soak?
P. 164
During Cole’s feast, the wind keeps blowing out the candle, but Cole gets the
lantern mantel to protect it because the meal needs a candle. Why is that
important to him?
Why does Cole skip the soak and the walk up the hill after he brings the log
back to his camp? What does this say about his character?
Prediction: When will Cole dance the dance of anger?
Chapters 19-21
Answers
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
He’s tired, and he wants help with the building, but the other just watch. He
says he’s not their slave. P. 149-160
He knows the men can’t be lied to this morning, and he doesn’t want to
jeopardize his chance of staying on the island.
Answers will vary. P. 164
He wants to impress the men with their final meal on the island, and he wants
a celebration to show them he’s changed. P. 170
He’s reverting to his old attitude by thinking of escaping instead of thinking
of healing. P. 179-180
Explain your prediction.
Chapters 22-25
Summary
Cole learns that to be invisible, he must clear his mind.
After he becomes one with his environment, letting
rain fall on him and run down his face, he sees the
Spirit Bear. That evening he dances the dance of anger
and learns that he must forgive himself. He learns
from Edwin that Peter has tried to commit suicide.
Cole wants to help him. Peter, his parents, Garvey,
and Edwin come to the island. Garvey will stay with
Peter and Cole. Peter says he doesn’t want Cole’s help
and acts terrified of him.
Chapters 22-25
Discussion questions
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
Cole decides, “Being invisible had nothing to do with being seen. Being
invisible meant not being sensed or felt? P. 189) Why is this his definition of
invisibility?
From the dance of anger, Cole learns, “Being angry is giving someone else
control of my feelings so they own me. Forgiving gives me control again”
(p. 196). Who has controlled Cole in his past? Do you agree with Cole’s
statement? Why or why not?
Each time Cole sees Edwin, he asks about Peter. What does this say about
the changes in him?
Most people fear death because it is unknown, yet Peter is searching for it.
Why?
Cole wants Peter to experience the island. What does this say about his
experience on the island?
Cole tells Peter that he didn’t mean to harm him when he beat him up. It was
the only thing he knew. Does this excuse Cole? Why or why not?
Prediction: Will Cole earn Peter’s forgiveness so both of them can heal?
Chapters 22-25
Answers
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
He understands that if another creature does not feel threatened by a person
and that person does not fear the creature, then that person is invisible. P. 189
His father, Peter, Garvey, his mother, and Edwin have controlled him..
He is concerned about the boy he hurt, and he wants to make amends. P.
196, 200-201
Other fear have taken over his mind, and he feels death is an escape from
those fears. P. 203
He has learned to forgive others, and he wants Peter to feel that, too. P. 206207
P. 214 Answers vary.
Explain your prediction.
Chapters 26-28
Summary
Cole sleeps in a leaky tent while Peter and Garvey take over
the cabin. Cole makes overtures to Peter that Peter refuses,
but one evening he says it’s okay if Cole comes into the
cabin where it’s warmer. Peter begins taunting Cole: he
throws a rock at him, he shoves him, and he walks with
muddy boots on Cole’s sleeping bag. Peter begins carving
his own totem pole. One day Peter suggests that only he
and Cole should go to soak in the pool. Peter attacks Cole,
and Cole doesn’t fight back. Once Peter collapses and
sobs, Cole hugs him. The see the Spirit Bear. Later Cole
gives the at.oow to Peter. Together they finish Cole’s
totem pole with a circle carved for forgiveness.
Chapters 26-28
Discussion questions
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
Mr. Driscal threatens Cole with jail if he hurts Peter again. Do you think Mr.
Driscal will ever get over his anger toward Cole? How can he do this? P.
217 Answers vary.
Cole hasn’t seen a clock in nearly a year. He does things when the feeling
strikes him. Could you live like this? Why or why not?
Cole wonders if Peter realizes he and Garvey are collecting firewood for
Peter, but Garvey says they are all there because of Cole. Has Cole forgotten
why they are all on the island.
Peter acts aggressively toward Cole by throwing a rock, shoving him,
walking on his sleeping bag, knocking Cole’s jacket off a hook, and leaving
the cabin door open. Why is Peter doing these things? What does this say
about changes occurring in Peter?
Why does Cole hug Peter after Peter beats him up? Why did the boys
become invisible to the Spirit Bear?
Do you think a circle is a good symbol for forgiveness? Why or why not?
Prediction: Will Cole’s father ever overcome his anger?
Chapters 26-28
Answers
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
Answers will vary. P. 217
It’s a matter of adjusting to measuring time by the sun or by when things
need to be done. P. 220
No, he’s just preoccupied with helping Peter. P. 222
He’s testing Cole to see if he will react. He’s feeling more secure in his won
worth. P. 223-228
He wants to show his forgiveness and that his intentions are not to harm
Peter. They were not feeling aggressive toward any creature. P. 237-238
Answers will vary. P. 239-240
Explain your prediction.
Activities
Choose one activity from each group below.
Chapters 1-2
Chapters 16-18
Chapters 3-5
Chapters 19-21
Chapters 6-8
Chapters 22-25
Chapters 9-12
Chapters 26-28
Chapters 13-15
Chapter 1-2 Activities
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Social Studies: On a map, trace the route Cole took from the detention
center to the island of his banishment. Use Map Quest.
Literary Analysis/Symbols: The fire Cole sets is a symbol of the
destruction caused by his anger. Begin a list of symbols that occur in
the book.
Literary Analysis/Characters: Begin a character web for Cole. (see
chart)
Literary Analysis/Plot Development: Begin a Story Map us use as you
read the story. (see chart)
Literary Analysis/Similes: The author uses similes such as the “sky
hung like a bad omen”(p. 3) and “anger smoldered like a lit fuse” (p.
22) Begin a list of similes and add to it as you read.
Research: Indian tribes are called Native Americans in the United
States and First Nations in Canada. Research the Tlingit tribe and find
the area where they lived long ago and how many people are in the
tribe today. The internet would be a great source. Create a Poster.
Chapter 3-5 Activities
1.
2.
Literary Analysis/Predictions: Begin a Prediction Chart.
see example chart.
Research: Locate articles on the Internet abut circle
sentencing and report your findings to the class. Poster..
Chapter 6-8 Activities
1.
2.
3.
4.
Science: Read about different types of bears and make a
chart of how many different species live in North America.
Writing: Write a paragraph about a time you discovered
someone was being dishonest. No need to use real names.
Literary Analysis: List examples of foreshadowing from
the novel. Recall that Cole was warned about the Devil’s
Club, and now he’s grabbed it. Recall that Peter wishes
Cole could know how it feels to have his head smashed,
and now ole has been mauled by a bear.
Art Draw a picture of your vision of the white Spirit Bear.
Chapter 9-12 Activities
1.
2.
3.
Literary Analysis/Similes: Add to your list of similes.
Example include: “thunder rumbled across the sky like
empty barrels rolling toward the horizon” (p. 77), and
“Clinging to life was like hanging from a bar on the
playground at school” (p. 97).
Science/Math: Research lightning strikes and record
statistics on how many strikes occur each minute in the
world and in the United States. The Internet is a good
place to find this information. Poster.
Writing: Observe a bird’s behavior and write a paragraph
about it.
Chapter 13-15 Activities
1.
2.
Write about a time when you were angry. The first
paragraph should be about why your were angry and what
you did. The second paragraph should be about the
consequences of your actions.
Science: Research physical therapy. Demonstrate for your
class an exercise that will strengthen a certain muscle.
Chapter 16-18 Activities
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Interviewing: Interview your parents or guardian about
your ancestors. Write adjective that describe your
ancestors’ good and bad behaviors and keep this sheet in
your folder with other writings about this book. Not to
share with others but for your own personal knowledge.
Math: Research how many calories a person should eat
per day if the person is performing hard physical labor or
if the person is sedentary. Make a chart for males and
females and compare them.
Science: Chart the migratory paths of whales in the
Pacific Northwest. You will need a map. Use the Internet.
Art” Draw a picture of whales breaking the surface of the
water.
Art: Design a costume that would be appropriate for Cole
to wear in a whale dance.
Chapter 19-21 Activities
1.
2.
3.
4.
Research: Research the steps of making a canoe from a
log and make a list of the steps. Poster.
Writing: Write a paragraph about a time you almost lost
an opportunity because of a negative attitude.
Music: Drums are needed. This is a group activity (4-5
members). Each group should decide on a spirit dance,
and have one person perform it. Other students should
guess what animal the dance represents.
Social Studies: Look at Pictures of totem poles in books
and identify the different stylistic animals represented.
Poster.
Chapter 22-25 Activities
1.
2.
3.
Literary Analysis/Similes: Update your simile list.
Examples include ”thousands of smooth worn rocks lined
the timeless shoreline like a ghost highway” (p.190) and
“his heart pounded a steady beat like a distant drum” (p.
193).
Science: Read about salmon and their spawning instincts.
Present report to class.
Writing: Write a paragraph about forgiving a person who
has harmed you either physically or emotionally.
Chapter 26-28 Activities
1.
2.
3.
Art: Make miniature totem poles out of paper tower rolls
and bring the finished totems to school. Explain you
totem pole to class.
Literary Analysis: Complete your Story Map.
Writing: Write a letter of apology to someone you have
hurt.
Writing Prompts
• Write a paragraph about a time when you discovered
someone being dishonest.
• Observe a bird’s behavior and write a paragraph about it.
• Write about a time when you were angry. The first
paragraph should be about why you were angry and what
you did. The second paragraph should be about the
consequences of your actions.
• Write a paragraph about a time when you almost lost an
opportunity because of a negative attitude.
• Write a paragraph about forgiving a person who has
harmed you either physically or emotionally.
• Write a letter of apology to someone you have hurt.
"A good teacher is like a candle.
It consumes itself to light the way for others"
Anonymous
Assessment for Spirit Bear
•
Assessment is an ongoing process. The following nine items can be completed during
the novel study. Once finished, the student and teacher will check the work. Points may
be added to indicate the level of understanding. Students are to keep a folder for all
activities for the novel.
Student
1. _____
Teacher
_______ 1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
_____
_____
_____
_____
______
______
______
______
2.
3.
4.
6.
_____
______
6.
Keep a literary journal as you read the book.
Give yourself credit for each Vocabulary Activity completed.
Keep a chart of characters you meet in the book. See chart.
Who is Cole? Create a collage of ideas and images significant to
him.
Keep your writing about the book in a folder. Choose one of your
best pieces for evaluation.
Create a flow chart of the events in the book’s plot.
7.
8.
_____
_____
______
______
7.
8.
Write a letter to the principal giving your evaluation of this book.
Comprehensive Test.
5.