In the third and final discussion of "Touching Spirit Bear", the conclusion of the story was discussed. The discussion questions that we came up with for students focused on deeper meanings within the story, beyond concrete observations.For example:
*Do you think the spirit bear is real or just a figment of Cole's imagination?
This is a question that cannot be found by flipping through pages in the book. There is no exact answer to this question. Students would have to think about the reality of the spirit bear and the mental and physical states Cole was in each time the bear approached.
*What is the significant of the circle on the totem pole?
Students would have to think further and use their own creative ideas to answer this. Perhaps the circle signified Cole coming "full-circle", changing for the better, or his attitude about life has done a 360. Or maybe he now feels more whole and complete having come to terms with his real self, being more considerate, forgiving, and recognizing his humility and weaknesses.
Other questions like this that we came up with were:
*What do you think is the significance of Peter and Cole filling in the blank space on the totem pole together? Do you think they've forgiven each other?
*Was the fact that Peter was good at carving significant?
*Do Cole and Peter identify with each other in some way?
*What do you think Cole's life would have been like in the end if he did not have the support of Edwin and Garvey?
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