**Please be advised that this Young Adult novel deals with difficult topics such as death and disability.**

Learners will need a copy of The Giver and lined notebook paper (optional, for note taking). All reading will be completed as homework.

This is a flexible schedule class and there are no live meetings. Each week students will be provided a video lecture and set of discussion questions. Students should respond to the questions via writing or video using the "Record Video" function in the classroom. Students are also expected to comment on others' responses and expand upon those ideas. There is a short writing assignment at the end of this course.

OBJECTIVES
Students will:
Examine elements of plot, specifically conflict, climax, and resolution
Compare and contrast main characters
Make predictions while reading
Explore themes, motifs and symbols

Week 1: Introduction
We will discuss our own personal memories and how they shape us. Are all memories helpful? Would we ever choose to forget? Why or why not? How do memories serve us as a society? Are we better off with or without them?
Homework: Read Ch. 1-3 

Week 2: Ch. 1-3 Discussion
Discussion Questions: Ch. 1-3
Homework: Read Ch. 4-6 

Week 3: Ch. 4-6 Discussion
Discussion Questions: Ch. 4-6
Homework: Read Ch. 7-9 

Week 4: Ch. 7-9 Discussion
Discussion Questions: Ch. 7-9
Homework: Read Ch. 10-13 

Week 5: Ch. 10-13 Discussion
Discussion Questions: Ch. 10-13
Homework: Read Ch. 14-17 

Week 6: Ch. 14-17 Discussion
Discussion Questions: Ch. 14-17
Homework: Read Ch. 18-20

Week 7: Ch. 18-20 Discussion
Discussion Questions: Ch. 18-20
Predict the Ending: Will we be satisfied?
Homework: Read Ch. 21-23 

Week 8: Wrap Up
Writing Assignment
Thoughts on the Ending
What is the author trying to tell us?
Share ideas for the next chapter of the story

How does this work? What is a flexible schedule class?
Flexible schedule courses meet asynchronously, meaning that students do not need to log in or "meet" at a certain time or on a certain day of the week. This type of course works more like social media... Content is posted weekly and remains available throughout the course. New content "pushes down" the old content from the previous week, but remains visible until the course has ended. Students participate in the course by viewing recorded lectures and then answering discussion questions and/or responding to others as they feel comfortable. All levels of participation are welcome!

Why Flex Schedule Classes?
There are many benefits to participating in a flex schedule class. First, there are no live meetings. This is a great option for families with busy schedules, those living outside the U.S., or those who prefer to work at their own pace. Second, students have access to both written information and video lessons throughout the length of the course. This allows for students of all abilities and learning styles to engage with the material as they feel most comfortable. Finally, all student discussion takes place via the Outschool classroom. Through this discussion each student is heard fully, completely, and without interruption. Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions about flexible schedule courses!