Literature Circle activities for the Giver
Due October 29th: Imagine that you could create a perfect world. How would it be different from the world you live in right now? How would it be the same? Give your community a name, a system of government,and a physical description. Imagine yourself living there and describe what an ordinary day would be like. Obtain some poster board and make a picture representation of your world.
Reading Assignment:Read Chapters 1, 2, and 3 (pages 1-25)
Due October 31st: Book Chart
Due November 5th: Write in journal- "It was almost December, and Jonas was beginning to be frightened." (p. 1)
This is the opening sentence of The Giver. What kind of picture does this produce in your mind? What feelings does this sentence create?
How is it different to feel apprehensive rather than to feel frightened? (look in dictionary)
Activity: Define these words: utopia and dystopia. Write their definitions into your journal. What’s the difference?
Begin compiling a list of rules which govern the community in which Jonas lives. You will add to this list as you read The Giver. (Keep the log in your journal- save 2 pages for this)
Reading Assignment:Read chapters 4, 5 & 6 (pages 26- 49)
Due November 12th: Write in journal- How would you feel living in a structured society similar to Jonas's? What are the pros and cons?
Activity: Print out a copy of the worksheet "Community Life Schedule." Enter the ceremonies and life milestones that occur at each stage as they are revealed in the book.
Add to your list of rules governing Jonas's community.
Reading Assignment:Read chapters 7, 8 &9 (pages 50-71)
Due November 19th: Write in journal- Why do you think members of this society must do volunteer work when they are young? Do you think this is a good idea or a bad idea? Defend your answer. (2 paragraphs)
Write about any volunteer experiences you have had in your life. (2 paragraphs)
Activity:If you could volunteer for any area from The Giver which one would you choose? How would this volunteer work prepare you for the real job? (2 paragraphs)
Add to your list of rules governing Jonas's community
Reading Assignment:Read chapters 10, 11 & 12 (pages 72-96)
Due November 26th: Transmit one of your most vivid memories. Include all the details of that day/event. Reflect on the sights, smells, sounds and sensations of that time.
Activity: Start a list of the "painful" memories that Jonas receives. (In journal- save w pages for this list)
Imagine a world without color. What color would you miss the most and why?
Agree or disagree with this statement and say why:
A world without any pain would be a bad thing.
Add to your list of rules governing Jonas's community
Reading Assignment:Read chapters 13- 18 (pages 97-145)
Due December 3rd: The Giver also passes on collective memories of the whole community. Choose something that has happened in our country in the recent past and transmit that memory to Jonas with words. (Look at CNN.com for students)
Why have you chosen that event to give him? What will Jonas learn from it?
Reading Assignment:Read chapters 19 - end (pages 146-180)
Add to your list of "painful" memories that Jonas receives.
Add to your list of rules governing Jonas's community.
Complete the lists you have been adding to and turn in with paper.
Due December 6th: In an essay format, write a response to one of these questions: (must be at least five paragraphs)
1. Discuss the role of family in The Giver.
2. How do you imagine The Giver ends? Would you like to see the ending more spelled out? Why or why not?
3. Write your own version of Chapter 23 for this book.
Unit Test 12/13