Messenger: Literature Study
In this 7-week course, learners will read and discuss Messenger by Lois Lowry; the 3rd book in The Giver Quartet. This book club is designed to be engaging, educational, and fun, with a mix of discussions, activities, and creative projects.
Wild and Unstructured Learning
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What's included
7 live meetings
5 hrs 50 mins in-class hoursHomework
1 hour per week. Learners will read 2-3 chapters each week.Progress Report
includedClass Experience
US Grade 6 - 9
Step into the mysterious world of Messenger! In this 7-week literature study, we’ll follow Matty on his thrilling journey through an enchanted (and dangerous!) forest, explore a town full of secrets, and discover the power of sacrifice, community, and courage. Each week, students will meet to discuss the latest chapters, share predictions, and get creative with hands-on activities like building maps, designing their own forest models, and inventing unique powers for ourselves (just like Matty’s special gift!). Along the way, we’ll play games, solve puzzles, and debate big ideas—what would YOU trade for something you really want? And what would you do if you had a mysterious gift? Together, we’ll uncover the hidden truths of the Village and create our own symbols of unity. Get ready for a literary adventure that’s packed with mystery, fun projects, and tons of surprises!
Learning Goals
Students will improve their reading and comprehension skills.
Syllabus
Curriculum
Follows Teacher-Created Curriculum7 Lessons
over 7 WeeksLesson 1:
Exploring the Village
Chapters 1–3: Discuss initial impressions of Matty, Kira, and the Village.
Character Predictions: Discuss initial impressions of Matty, Seer, and Kira. Students write or draw their predictions of how these characters might change.
Village Map Creation: Students work on creating their own maps of the Village based on clues from the chapters. 50 mins online live lesson
Lesson 2:
Secrets of the Trade Mart
Chapters 4–6: Discuss what students think happens at Trade Mart and what might be “traded.” Why does Matty sense something strange?
Design Your Own Trade Mart Item: Students design items with hidden “costs” or meanings, imagining items people might trade if they could attend a Trade Mart.
Ethics Debate: Present scenarios based on trading values and discuss what students might “trade” and why.
Students will play an interactive game to review chapters 1-6 of the book. 50 mins online live lesson
Lesson 3:
Into the Forest
Chapters 7–9: Exploring the Forest: Discuss how Matty feels about the forest and why it’s becoming dangerous. How is the forest changing, and why do students think it’s dangerous?
Forest Model Project: Each student begins a mini “forest” at home with materials like paper or natural objects, adding details each week as the forest evolves.
Mystery Puzzle Game: Work together to solve “forest riddles” or clues that hint at what could be causing the forest to change. 50 mins online live lesson
Lesson 4:
Gifts and Their Consequences
Chapters 10–12: Discuss Matty’s special gift and its significance.
Design a Gift: Each student invents a unique gift for themselves and shares how it could benefit or harm their Village. They will also design a simple symbol to go along with their gift.
Gift Charades: Students act out their gifts while others try to guess them.
Students will play an interactive game to review the first half of the book. 50 mins online live lesson
Other Details
Parental Guidance
Messenger is the third book in Lois Lowry's The Giver quartet. It follows Matty, a young boy in a dystopian world who has a mysterious gift of healing. The novel addresses themes of sacrifice, community, and morality, set in a fictional village where residents experience conflict, betrayal, and ultimately, the power of healing and unity.
Potential Sensitivities:
* Dark and Mature Themes: Messenger has a tone that is sometimes dark and introspective, discussing ideas like betrayal, fear, and the moral complexities of self-interest vs. sacrifice.
* Mild Violence and Danger: There are scenes where characters are in peril, particularly in the forest, which becomes increasingly hostile. Matty faces physical and emotional challenges, but these are handled in a thoughtful, age-appropriate way.
* Moral Dilemmas: The story presents ethical questions about selfishness, trade-offs, and community values that may prompt further discussion.
Supply List
"Messenger" by Lois Lowry Paper Pencil Coloring supplies
External Resources
Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.
Sources
Messenger by Lois Lowry
Joined October, 2020
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Teacher expertise and credentials
10 teachers have teaching certificates
Alabama Teaching Certificate in Elementary Education
Michigan Teaching Certificate in Elementary Education
Massachusetts Teaching Certificate in Elementary Education
Massachusetts Teaching Certificate in English to Speakers of Other Languages
Kansas Teaching Certificate in Elementary Education
Kentucky Teaching Certificate in Elementary Education
Non-US Teaching Certificate in Elementary Education
Virginia Teaching Certificate in Elementary Education
Texas Teaching Certificate in English/Language Arts
Texas Teaching Certificate in English/Language Arts
Texas Teaching Certificate in English to Speakers of Other Languages
Texas Teaching Certificate
Oklahoma Teaching Certificate in English/Language Arts
Texas Teaching Certificate
Non-US Teaching Certificate in English/Language Arts
9 teachers have a Graduate degree
Master's Degree in Education from University of West Alabama
Master's Degree in Education from Saginaw Valley State University
Master's Degree in Education from American International College
Master's Degree from Duke University
Master's Degree in Education from University of Houston Clear Lake
Master's Degree in Civil Engineering from University of Ottawa
Master's Degree in Music or Theatre or Arts from University of Houston-Clear Lake
Master's Degree in Education from Lesley University
Master's Degree in Special Education from Moreland University
11 teachers have a Bachelor's degree
Bachelor's Degree in Education from University of Montevallo
Bachelor's Degree in Education from Mount Holyoke College
Bachelor's Degree in Education from Asbury College
Bachelor's Degree in Psychology from Furman University
Bachelor's Degree in Education from Longwood University
Bachelor's Degree in English from University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
Bachelor's Degree in Education from University of Houston Clear Lake
Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education from Whitworth University
Bachelor's Degree from Angelo State University
Bachelor's Degree in Foreign Language from Angelo State University
Bachelor's Degree in English Language and Literature from Bohai University, China
Bachelor's Degree in Marketing from University of Missouri
Teachers have at least 5 years experience teaching middle school reading and comprehension.Reviews
Live Group Course
$140
for 7 classes1x per week, 7 weeks
50 min
Live video meetings
Ages: 11-15
2-10 learners per class
