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.