The Giver
The Giver presents a world of sameness: no yesterdays (historical background), no differentiated human rights, no freedoms. Since our world is not like that, this book allows us to have a greater appreciation of the freedoms we have in the present. It also points out how important it is to understand our past in order to create our future.
Learner Goals include:
· Analyze use of use-of-structure in reading, find differences in how information is presented, and use information to problem solve
· Plan internet search
· Write narratives
· Response to Literature
· Write for careers [Writing 2.5]
Summary
From the back cover of The Giver:
Jonas's world is perfect. Everything is under control. There is no war or fear or pain. There are no choices
Every person is assigned a role in the Community.
When Jonas turns twelve he is singled out to receive special training from The Giver.
The Giver alone holds the memories of the true pain and pleasure
of life. Now it's time for Jonas to receive the truth. There is no turning back.
Assignment:
Cereate A brochure persauding people to join the community talked about in the giver.
You can make a brochure using any one of the following:
inside page.doc
fold in back and front rt.doc
On-line tool http://interactives.mped.org/view_interactive.aspx?id=110&title=
Another on-line Tool http://www.mybrochuremaker.com/
Themes Covered in the Book
Family—Parental Relationships–In The Giver, each family has two parents, a son, and a daughter. The relationships are not biological, but are developed through observation and a careful handling of personality. In our own society, the makeup of family is under discussion. How are families defined? Are families the unchanging foundations of a society, or are they continually open for new definitions?
Diversity–The Giver pictures a community in which every person and his or her experience is precisely the same. The climate is controlled, and competition has been eliminated in favor of a community in which everyone works only for the common good. What advantages might “Sameness” yield for contemporary communities? In what ways do our differences make us distinctly human? Is the loss of diversity worthwhile?
Euthanasia–Underneath the placid calm of Jonas’s society lies a very orderly and inexorable system of euthanasia, practiced on the very young who do not conform, the elderly, and those whose errors threaten the stability of the community. What are the disadvantages and benefits to a community that accepts such a vision of euthanasia?
Feelings–Jonas remarks that loving another person must have been a dangerous way to live. Describe the relationships between Jonas and his family, his friends Asher and Fiona, and the Giver. Are any of these relationships dangerous? Perhaps the most dangerous is that between Jonas and the Giver–the one relationship built on love. Why is that relationship dangerous and what does the danger suggest about the nature of love?
Chapter Reviews
Chapter Review information from
From http://www.mce.k12tn.net/reading17/giver.htm
Projects:
1. Many people are disappointed with the ending of The Giver and are curious about the author's actual intended ending. Write the reaction of the community after Jonas tells the story.
Community reaction.doc
- 2.In Jonas's community children were not given a job choice. The Elders observed the students during their volunteer hours and reviewed their school work to determine which job the were best suited. Luckily, that does not happen in our society. You may make your own decision as to which career you are best suited. Try the link below. This interesting little checklist may give you a little insight as to the career you may one day choose.
Career Interest Game http://www.missouriwestern.edu/careerdevelopment/cig/
3. Write an essay based on the Venn diagram above that compares and contrasts the two communities.
The authors thoughts on the book http://www.randomhouse.com/teachers/guides/give.html
- 4. Students will be asked to visit the Library of Congress' American Memory site at URL: http://rs6.loc.gov/ and find historical events which took place today, yesterday and on their birthdays. They will be asked to complete a chart by summarizing the information for each day, selecting pertinent facts, and finding differences in the scope and organization of the texts read, when relevant.
- American Memory Use the student activity chart for your data collection.
5. Visit The Career Key and take an interest inventory by checking off items in the program. Then the program will analyze their answers and formulate a list of possible careers.
- click here : Career Inventory
- Genetic Engineering.
The Community has been genetically altered for Sameness. You will be researching genetic engineering and tell whether you think it is right or wrong to tamper with nature in this way. Please write a persuasive essay on this issue, using examples from your research as well as from The Giver.
-
What is Genetic Engineering?
Genetic engineering is a laboratory technique used by scientists to change the DNA of living organisms.
http://www.onlineopinion.com.au/view.asp?article=2268
http://www.marymeetsdolly.com./
http://re-xs.ucsm.ac.uk/gcsere/revision/xtianpers/chper1/page6.html
http://dnapatent.com/science/
http://www.globalchange.com/geneticengin.htm
Persuasive Essay Outline
I. Introduction:
- Get the readers attention by using a "hook."
- Give some background information if necessary.
- Thesis or focus statement.
II. First argument or reason to support your position:
- Topic sentence explaining your point.
- Elaboration to back your point.
III. Second argument or reason to support your position:
- Topic sentence explaining your point.
- Elaboration to back your point.
IV. Third argument or reason to support your position:
- Topic sentence explaining your point.
- Elaboration to back your point.
V. Opposing Viewpoint: (This is optional, however highly recommended, so that the reader will know you have considered another point of view and have a rebuttal to it.)
- Opposing point to your argument.
- Your rebuttal to the opposing point.
- Elaboration to back your rebuttal.
VI. Conclusion:
- Summary of main points or reasons
- Restate thesis statement.
- Personal comment or a call to action.
More detailed information at: http://www.orangeusd.k12.ca.us/yorba/persuasive_writing.htm
7. Mixed Meanings
Though that world stresses what it calls “precision of language,” in fact it is built upon language that is not precise, but that deliberately clouds meaning. Consider what Jonas’s community really means by words such as: released (p. 2), feelings (p. 4), animals (p. 5), Nurturer (p. 7), Stirrings (p. 37), replacement child (p. 44), and Elsewhere (p. 78).
8. Create your own society
Assignment here
9. Family Traditions
Assignment here
10. Long Journey Home
http://home.earthlink.net/~eduscapes/units/giver/activity3.htm
Other Great Ideas
Give Jonas a New Home
Create an Utopia
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