Due Date - Thursday, April 9

Reminder that your five posts are due Thursday. Please re-read my instructions to make sure everything is anwsered. If you haven't signed in as a follower or emailed me your link PLEASE do so.

To Banish or Not to Banish?

While Cole was banished to a remote Alaskan island as a consequence for his actions, banishment is not widely used in Canada, and it appears that banishment has never been used as a consequence for a young Canadian who has committed a crime. Think back to your earlier classroom discussions on banishment, and consider the events of Touching Spirit Bear.

Then answer the following questions about the use of banishment:

1. What types of location would be suitable in Canada for banishment? What are the benefits and drawbacks of the locations which you have chosen?
2. Why do you think there has yet to be an instance of a young Canadian being banished?
3. Overall, do you think banishment for youth is a good idea? Why or why not?

Answer each question in a short paragraph (three total) and this time include an appropriate image.

One More Chance

In Chapter One, Cole mockingly thinks to himself, "Whatever happened, he could always count on having one more last chance." Every time Cole broke the law or hurt someone, he was told, "This is your last chance." Even Garvey advises Cole, "Don't waste this chance" when he leaves him on the island the first time. Now, after everything he has done, Cole is given yet another "last chance"; the Circle has decided to return him to the island to complete his banishment.

In your opinion, does Cole deserve another chance or should he be sent to jail as Peter's lawyer suggests? Support your opinion with evidence from the novel.

Things you might want to consider:
Who is responsible for Cole's behavious?
How has Cole changed since his first stay on the island?
How is he still the same?
How have the "banishment" rules and funding changed? Is this enough?
What message does this "chance" send to Cole? Peter? Other young offenders?

Thanks to Ms. Sibs for this entry.

Cole's Character Sketch - Before and After the Attack

In the novel, Cole Matthews suffers a severe near-death experience and his character goes through a dramatic change as a result. After the attack, Cole's view of himself and the world is greatly altered, but what will he do with his new way of seeing and thinking?

Your first task: In two paragraphs, provide a character description of Cole before his attack and of Cole after his experience. For either case, you could consider: How does Cole feel about himself? How does he feel about power? How does he see the world? Who does Cole blame for his problems? How does Cole view the 'circle of life' and his place in it?

Your second task: In one paragraph, provide your opinion on why the attack happened, who was to blame, and if the attack - while horrible - was a positive thing and if it was need for Cole's change. Explain your opinions.

For all three paragraphs you need to provide supporting details from the novel. Aim for a minimum of five points taken directly from the novel.

Thank you to Mr. Smith for creating this posting.

Circle Justice

In Touching Spirit Bear, the protagonist, Cole Mathews participates in a healing form of justice known as Circle Justice. Circle Justice is a First Nations tradition that directly involve all affected parties in the justice process. The goal of Circle, or Restorative Justice is not to punish but to heal. The hope is that the offender and the victims walk away from the process better people. As you learned in the novel, Circle Justice requires the offender to take responsibility and show remorse for their crime. The sentences handed out through Circle Justice are directly related to the crime. For example, a person who kills an animal may be required to work in an animal shelter. Over the past few years, Circle Justice has gained recognition in non-Aboriginal communities as a legitimate form of justice.

Your task today is to research cases where Circle Justice has been used. You are required to link at least one (1) article relating to Circle Justice to your blog entry and comment on the case. Hint: Use a news website (ex: cbc.ca/news) not a seaqrch engine.

Possible topics to discuss in your blog entry:
1. What was the crime and who was involved? (offender and victims)
2. What was the sentence handed down?
3. How long did the process take? What was the process?
4. Was it effective?
5. Do you believe Circle Justice is an effective means of justice? Why or why not?

NOTE: These are just suggestions. This is your blog, you may respond to the article however you see fit. Your blog entry must be a minimum of two (2) paragraphs.

Touching Spirit Bear - Week Two

Cole is on the island and has seen the spirit bear more than once. The plot is developing quickly and more twists and turns are to come. What do you think so far?

We are going to research a little about Circle Justice this week. I will post some research topics for your to use.

Survey Says...

I created an opinion poll for you to complete. Look on the sidebar and click one choice only. It will be displayed until March 17. I hope you are enjoying the book so far. If not, is does get better, I promise.

Introduction to Blogging

Hello..... I am blogging and you are reading my blog.

What is blogging you may ask? Web, as the World Wide Web and log, as in a journal or diary. Therefore, an online log. Why not - wwwlogging? Because, blog is easier to say, silly!

The computer classes for the next five weeks will be used to develop a class wide blog for our novel study Touching Spirit Bear. Cool! I have never done this before and neither has our school. So, we are blazing a new trail.