Outschool
Open currency, time zone, and language settings
Log In

Bookflix Book Club: The Giver

In this 6-week course, students will be challenged to consider Utopian ideals from every angle. What values are most important for individuals and societies to hold? Students will participate in fun book-related activities. #academic
The Marvelous Mrs. Olson
Average rating:
4.9
Number of reviews:
(115)
Star Educator
Class

What's included

12 live meetings
10 in-class hours
Homework
1 hour per week. Students are responsible for reading the weekly chapters before class. Students can read the book on their own, have someone else read it with or to them, or listen to an audio book.
Assessment
There is no formal assessment for this class.

Class Experience

US Grade 5 - 8
This book club is open to learners of all abilities! 

What if you could live in a world free of pain? A perfect, peaceful world where all danger has been eradicated? This is the world in which Jonas, our 12 year old protagonist, has grown up. But as Jonas soon finds out, a perfect world does not exist. Jonas will discover, as will our readers, that joy is nothing without strife, pleasure nothing without pain, and safety nothing without freedom.

Students will read "The Giver" by Lois Lowry. This Newberry medal winning young adult dystopian novel is full of adventure, peril, and thought-provoking life lessons. During each lesson, we will review two chapters together, have a critical discussion, and complete an activity. Students are responsible for reading the chapters on their own before each class. Listening to an audio book is perfectly acceptable. Please let me know how I can accommodate any special needs your learner has. 

The following class overview contains massive spoilers for the book. The student should stop reading here! This is for parents only!

Lesson 1: 
Read Chapters 1-2
Have a "telling of feelings" discussion
Talk about what jobs they would like/dislike to be assigned in a Ceremony of Twelve.

Lesson 2:
Read Chapters 3-4
Discuss the foreshadowing of Gabriel's light eyes.
Discuss the apple that Jonas takes. What difference in the apple do you think he noticed?
Discuss different volunteer opportunities in communities.
Discuss the releasing ceremony, death, and celebrating life.

Lesson 3:
Read Chapters 5-6
Participate in a "Telling of Dreams."
Discuss the suppression of Jonas' "stirrings."
Discuss age milestones.
Discuss the "release" of "imperfect" babies. What is the price of perfection? Who gets to decide what perfect means?
Discuss the Ceremony of Loss and Replacement
Where do you suspect "Elsewhere" to be?
Would you trust The Elders with your Assignment as Jonas does?

Lesson 4:
Read Chapters 7-8
We will hold our own Ceremony of Twelve. Students will discuss their feelings about their given Assignments.
How does Jonas feel when he is skipped at the Ceremony of Twelve?
How does he feel about being named The Receiver.
Discuss Jonas' eyes and his ability to 'see beyond.' Can we choose to see beyond?
What does it feel like to be treated differently in a society that idolizes sameness?
Why are societal rules different for The Receiver?

Lesson 5: Chapters 9-10
Discuss the Transfer of Memories
We will have our own Memory Transfer session.
Students will choose a memory and label it as joyful, painful, etc. They will Give these memories to each other and discuss what wisdom could be gained as a Receiver of those memories.

Lesson 6: Chapters 11-12
Jonas now holds the memories of both sunshine and sunburn. Is one experience worth the other? Is losing one experience worth losing the other?
We will discuss other such memory dichotomies. Would we choose to keep both the joy and the pain or to lose both?
Why did the society get rid of colors?

Lesson 7: Chapters 13-14
Discuss the elimination of choice. Does it make a society safer? At what cost?
Why can't Jonas' friends experience what he does?
Why must the Giver and Receiver remember pain and suffering? How do these negative experiences change their thinking?

Lesson 8: Chapters 15-16
Is shared pain easier to hold? Why?
How has Jonas' idea of and capacity for love changed? How does his family's inability to grasp love effect him?
Why does Jonas stop taking his stirrings pill? What do you predict the outcome of this choice may be?

Lesson 9: Chapters 17-18
Why is Jonas feeling guilty? Should he be?
What is the cost of feeling more deeply than those around you? What are the benefits?
Discuss the upcoming release of the twin.

Lesson 10: Chapters 19-20
Discuss release.
What has lead this society to release new children?
Why do Jonas and The Giver decide that change must happen? Why do they feel that memories should be shared with others?

Lesson 11: Chapters 21-22
Why does Jonas decide to risk ruining the plan to leave early?
Is he right to do so?
How does Jonas' care of Gabriel highlight the nature of human love and selflessness?

Lesson 12: Chapter 23 and the movie!
Discuss the conclusion of Jonas and Gabriel's escape. 
Discuss the open possibilities that the book's ending leaves.
Discuss the overall themes of the book.
What have you learned about human nature and the nature of joy and suffering?
How has this book changed your thoughts and feelings? 
How have you grown personally from this shared reading experience?
Book/Movie comparison time! 

Note: I have received written permission from Houghton Mifflan Harcort to read this book aloud in my classroom.
Learning Goals
Students will practice listening critically. They will take time to identify and understand their reactions to events and characters in books. They will learn to apply the thoughts, feelings, and observations they make while reading to their lives and the world around them.
learning goal

Other Details

Parental Guidance
This novel contains disturbing scenes such as graphic war violence, euthanasia, infanticide, and mild sexual references. I highly suggest that parents read an online review of the book on Common Sense Media and/or pre-read the book. https://www.commonsensemedia.org/book-reviews/the-giver-book-1?utm_expid=.RCp3TD4oT6qWuBfx5635Eg.0&utm_referrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.commonsensemedia.org%2Fsearch%2Fthe%2520giver
Supply List
"The Giver"
Paper
Pencil
External Resources
Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.
Joined July, 2020
4.9
115reviews
Star Educator
Profile
Teacher expertise and credentials
Bachelor's Degree in Education from LeTourneau Univeristy
🎬📚🎮 Movies, Books, and Games: The Ultimate Edutainment Trifecta! 🎮📚🎬

Welcome to the world of edutainment! I believe that learning should be exciting, engaging, and inclusive. By harnessing the power of movies, books, and games, I help students develop essential skills while having a blast. I focus on fostering the Three C's in my students: Communication, Connection, and Critical Thinking.

🌟 About Me 🌟
With a BS degree in Early Childhood Education and over a decade of experience, I have had the privilege of teaching students from pre-K to 12th grade. My primary areas of expertise are literature, reading, and writing. In addition to traditional classroom teaching, I've successfully homeschooled my own special needs son for more than 10 years and led classes in our local homeschool co-op.

🌍 Teaching Philosophy 🌍
I firmly believe that when students are genuinely interested in and excited about what they're learning, they become unstoppable learners. I see myself as a facilitator of learning, guiding and inspiring students to explore the world of knowledge. Learning isn't a one-size-fits-all journey, and I tailor my approach to meet the unique needs of each student.

🌈 Inclusive Learning 🌈
All of my classes are designed to accommodate every type of learner. I'm committed to creating a welcoming environment where everyone can thrive. If you have specific concerns or needs, please don't hesitate to reach out. I also offer a scholarship program for a limited number of students, so feel free to inquire for more details.

🤩 Let's Play and Learn Together! 🤩
I invite you to join me on an exciting educational journey where we blend the magic of entertainment with the power of knowledge. Whether you're passionate about literature, eager to enhance your writing skills, or simply looking to explore the world through a different lens, I'm here to support and guide you.

📧 Contact Me 📧
Ready to embark on this edutainment adventure? Don't hesitate to reach out with any questions or to discuss enrollment. Let's make learning an unforgettable experience for you or your child.

Reviews

Live Group Class
Share

$15

weekly or $175 for 12 classes
1x per week, 12 weeks
50 min

Completed by 2 learners
Live video meetings
Ages: 10-15
3-12 learners per class

About
Support
SafetyPrivacyCA PrivacyLearner PrivacyManage Data PreferencesTerms
Financial Assistance
Get The App
Download on the App StoreGet it on Google Play
© 2024 Outschool