lesson plan for a novel

I use the novel When the Legends Die to promote discussions and activities regarding cultural differences. We begin by mapping territories of Native American lands and how they became lesser and lesser with time. We read several short essays by Native American writers - trying to learn as much as we can about cultural beliefs. We, in particular, study about the Ute Nation - as this is the one in the novel. If time allows, we do an internet search - looking for other works written by Hal Borland. As we begin reading, we make journal entries about the setting and the characters - especially the protagonist and how he is affected by other characters and by setting. We keep track of the protagonist's many names - why he gets them and his reaction to them. Each student then finds out what his/her name means - first and last - and why his/her parents chose that name. The students create a visual of this which is displayed. The other classes that come into the room really enjoy these posters. Discovering this tradition in the novel often leads us to a discussion about religious traditions (allowed in our school). Throughout the story - we make a circle, the theme of the story being that life travels in a circle. Actions lead to reactions and the chain continues. The final includes a short essay recounting a life experience where a decision toward action caused a chain of reactions.