Lesson Plan 12

Touching Spirit Bear
By Ben Mikaelsen

Lesson: Write an "I Am" poem, or two "I Am" poems which will contrast different people, or will illustrate the difference in the same person from the beginning of the book and the end of the novel.

Write Traits: Word Choice, Idea Development

Characters about whom a poem may be written:

Cole Mathews, Peter Driscal, Mrs. Cindy Mathews, Mr. William Mathews, Nathaniel Blackwood (Cole's Attorney), Judge Tanner, Edwin, Garvey, the Keeper

Thematic elements about which a poem may be written:

Totem Pole, Spirit Bear, At.'oow, Circle Justice

The "I Am" poem format:

I Am

I am (two special characteristics you have)

I wonder (something you are actually curious about)

I hear (an imaginary sound)

I see (an imaginary sight)

I want (an actual desire)

I am (the first line of the poem repeated)

***

I pretend (something you actually pretend to do)

I feel (a feeling about something imaginary)

I touch (an imaginary touch)

I worry (something that really bothers you)

I cry (something that makes you very sad)

I am (the first line of the poem repeated)

***

I understand (something you know is true)

I say (something you believe in)

I dream (something you actually dream about)

I try (something you really make an effort about)

I hope (something you actually hope for)

I am (the first line of the poem repeated)