Discussion+Questions+for+That+Sort+of+Bear+-+Michelle+Kim


 * By Michelle Kim **

 1. Hoff states that everyone is special in their own ways, yet they often times overlook their own special qualities, but are more focused on what others might have. Why do you think this is?

2. What is the story of the Stonecutter implying? Do you agree with its message? Can you find some real-life examples of the stonecutter story?

3. What has given humans more power throughout human history so far: power within themselves or spiritual/religious power? What has given "you" more power throughout your lifetime?

4. Why do we have to "believe in ourselves"? What kinds of consequences will result from believing in yourself versus depending on external power?

5. What do you think Pooh meant by calling himself "That Sort of Bear"? How does this tie back to the theme of the chapter, as it is the title of the chapter?

6. How is wisdom different from cleverness? Why does Hoff say that without compassion, there is no wisdom?

7. "Of course not, Pooh. A lot of people try to buy Happiness and Importance in the same sort of way. But //you// can be happy and important without doing that, you know" (133). What if Hoff implying in the quote above? How do you think //Pooh// can be happy and important without trying to buy Happiness and Importance?  8. What is the Tiddely-Pom Principle, or the Snowball Effect? How can the principle work both negatively and positively in our society?

9. How are wisdom, happiness, and courage a continuous cycle? How does it play a part in your life?

10. What is the essential meaning of "that sort of bear"? Do you think that the people in our modern-day world can be called as "that sort of bear"? What about yourself?       < Pictures> http://blog.seattlepi.nwsource.com/greenparenting/library/pooh-pig.jpg http://www.co-counselling.org.uk/resources/manual-pyves/pyves08.gif http://images.43things.com/entry/133703pw150.jpg