The Giver: Lesson by Ms. Maturin

Introduction

In The Giver, Lois Lowry presents a dystopian society that appears perfect at first, but is deeply flawed beneath the surface. As you explore the world of Jonas, the protagonist, you will examine themes such as the importance of memory, freedom of choice, and the consequences of living in a controlled society. Through this WebQuest, you will engage in various tasks that will help you analyze and understand the novel from different perspectives.

Task

You will complete the following activities in groups to analyze The Giver. By the end of this WebQuest, you will:

  1. Research and present the themes of the novel.
  2. Create a visual representation of the novel's key ideas.
  3. Analyze characters' motivations and actions through digital tools.
  4. Engage in a class discussion on the ethical and philosophical questions the novel raises.
Process

Step 1: Understand the Themes of the Novel

In small groups, you will research and explore one of the major themes of The Giver. You will create a digital poster or slideshow that explains your theme and gives examples from the book.

Themes to choose from:

  1. Memory and the Past
  2. The Role of Emotions and Individuality
  3. Control vs. Freedom
  4. The Importance of Choice
  5. Dystopian Society vs. Utopian Society

Resources for research:

Deliverable: Create a digital poster (using Google Slides, Canva, or another online tool) that explains your assigned theme, its significance in the novel, and examples from the text. Be creative with visuals!

Step 2: Explore Key Characters

Next, you will explore the motivations of two important characters: Jonas and The Giver. Using an online graphic organizer (like a concept map or a Venn diagram), compare and contrast Jonas and The Giver.

Character traits to explore:

  • Jonas’ initial role in the society vs. his transformation.
  • The Giver’s role as the keeper of memories.
  • How their choices reflect larger themes in the book.

Tools for creating your comparison:

Deliverable: Present your comparison of Jonas and The Giver in a visual format (concept map or Venn diagram). Include at least three examples from the text to explain how their roles and relationships develop.

Step 3: Create a Dystopian Society

In this step, you will apply your understanding of the society in The Giver. Work with your group to design a dystopian society of your own. You will need to answer the following questions:

  • What is the primary rule or law that governs your society?
  • How is memory controlled or erased?
  • What role do emotions and individuality play?
  • What is the main conflict in your society?

Use Google Slides or Canva to create a presentation of your dystopian society, including:

  • A name for your society.
  • A visual representation (map, drawing, etc.) of the society.
  • A brief description of how it functions and what is forbidden.

Resources for inspiration:

Deliverable: A digital presentation of your dystopian society, complete with visuals and descriptions.

Step 4: Reflect on the Ethical Questions

The final task involves a class discussion about the ethical and philosophical issues raised in The Giver. You will participate in an online forum (using Padlet or Google Classroom) to respond to the following prompt:

Prompt: Imagine that you are living in the society of The Giver. You are offered the opportunity to receive "Release" (the euphemism for euthanasia). Would you choose to receive Release, or would you fight to remain in the society and try to change things? Why or why not?

Resources for reflection:

Dystopian Society | Definition, Characteristics & Examples - Lesson | Study.com

Deliverable: Post your response to the prompt on the forum and comment on at least two other students’ posts.

Evaluation

You will be graded based on the following criteria:

  1. Theme Research (20%): Clear understanding of the theme, with relevant examples from the text.
  2. Character Comparison (20%): Thorough comparison with textual evidence and visual clarity.
  3. Dystopian Society Creation (20%): Originality and detail in designing the society, with clear connections to themes from The Giver.
  4. Ethical Reflection (20%): Thoughtful engagement with the ethical dilemma and constructive participation in the forum.
  5. Collaboration and Creativity (20%): Effective teamwork and creativity in all tasks, including design and presentation.
Conclusion

Through this WebQuest, you have explored the complex themes of The Giver and considered the moral and philosophical questions posed by the novel. By completing these tasks, you will have a deeper understanding of the text and how its lessons relate to our own world.

Credits

The Giver: By Louis Lowry

Study.com

Free online graphic organizer

Teacher Page

Grade Level: 8th Grade

Subject: English Language Arts

Duration: 4-5 class periods (1-2 hours per session)

Materials Needed:

  • Computers or tablets with internet access
  • Projector for group presentations
  • Google Slides, Canva, or other digital presentation tools
  • Padlet or Google Classroom for discussion

Overview:

This WebQuest is designed to help 8th-grade students explore The Giver by Lois Lowry in an engaging and thought-provoking way. It encourages students to delve into key themes, analyze characters, and reflect on the ethical and philosophical issues presented in the novel. Through research, digital creativity, collaboration, and discussion, students will deepen their understanding of the text and relate its ideas to real-world issues.

Objectives:

By the end of this WebQuest, students will be able to:

  1. Analyze the themes in The Giver and identify textual evidence supporting their analysis.
  2. Compare and contrast characters, focusing on their motivations and actions in the story.
  3. Create a dystopian society, drawing on concepts and ideas from the novel, and exploring the consequences of a controlled society.
  4. Engage in philosophical and ethical reflection, evaluating the decisions made by characters in the novel and considering their own positions on key issues.
  5. Collaborate effectively with peers in both individual and group tasks, using digital tools to present and discuss ideas.

Materials and Tools:

  • Google Slides/Canva: To create digital posters and presentations.
  • Padlet/Google Classroom: For facilitating online class discussions.
  • Google Drawings: For creating character comparisons and visual organizers.
  • Internet Access: To research themes, characters, and ethical questions.

Preparation:

Before starting the WebQuest, ensure the following:

  1. Assign the novel: Students should have already read The Giver or be at least halfway through the book. This ensures that they are familiar with the themes and characters when they begin the WebQuest tasks.
  2. Divide students into groups: For some tasks, such as researching themes and creating a dystopian society, students will work in small groups. Assign groups in advance or let students choose.
  3. Introduce the WebQuest: Briefly explain the WebQuest and the expected outcomes. Emphasize the importance of collaboration, creativity, and critical thinking.

Step-by-Step Guide:

  1. Introduction (Class Discussion)

    Start the lesson by discussing the general themes of The Giver, such as memory, control, individuality, and emotions. This will help students get a basic understanding of the novel’s central ideas before diving deeper. You can also introduce the concept of a WebQuest and how it will help them explore the text.

  2. Task Overview

    Walk students through the WebQuest process, explaining each step:

    • Step 1: Research and Present a Theme
    • Step 2: Analyze Key Characters (Jonas and The Giver)
    • Step 3: Create Your Own Dystopian Society
    • Step 4: Participate in an Ethical Reflection Discussion Make sure students understand the expectations for each task and how they will be evaluated.

  3. Distribute Resources

    Provide students with the necessary resources to complete their tasks:

    • Theme analysis and character resources (links to websites, articles, and study guides).
    • Tools for creating digital presentations (Canva, Google Slides).
    • A rubric for the WebQuest (to clarify grading and expectations).

  4. Research and Collaboration

    Allow students to work in their groups for each task, ensuring they are collaborating and using the provided resources effectively. Circulate around the room to provide guidance and answer any questions. Encourage students to think critically and creatively, especially when designing their dystopian society.

  5. Presentations and Discussion

    Once groups complete their tasks, have them present their work to the class. Each group should explain their theme, character comparison, and dystopian society. After the presentations, engage the class in the ethical reflection discussion. Use Padlet or Google Classroom to facilitate this conversation, ensuring that students respond thoughtfully to the prompt and engage with their peers’ ideas.

  6. Wrap-up and Reflection

    After the WebQuest activities, conclude with a class reflection on the ethical dilemmas raised by The Giver and how they relate to real-world issues. Encourage students to reflect on the novel’s messages about freedom, choice, and control.

Assessment:

Students will be assessed using the following criteria:

  1. Theme Research (20%)

    Clear and accurate understanding of the theme, with relevant examples from the text.

  2. Character Comparison (20%)

    Thorough comparison with textual evidence and clear visuals that show character development.

  3. Dystopian Society Creation (20%)

    Creativity and originality in designing the society, with strong connections to themes from the novel.

  4. Ethical Reflection (20%)

    Thoughtful, well-articulated response to the ethical dilemma, with meaningful comments on peers’ posts.

  5. Collaboration and Creativity (20%)

    Active participation in group tasks, creativity in presentations, and effective use of digital tools.

Teacher Tips:

  • Monitor Group Dynamics: Encourage students to work cooperatively and ensure that each group member is contributing. If necessary, assign specific roles (e.g., researcher, designer, writer, presenter).
  • Time Management: Depending on how much time you have, you can either allocate time for each step across several class periods or condense the tasks into fewer sessions. Make sure students know the deadlines for each part of the WebQuest.
  • Scaffold Learning: If students are unfamiliar with some of the digital tools, provide tutorials or extra help during class. You could also demonstrate how to use the tools before starting the tasks.

Extensions:

  • Creative Writing: After completing the WebQuest, ask students to write an essay or short story imagining their own version of Jonas’s escape or an alternate ending to The Giver.
  • Research Project: Have students research real-world dystopian societies (either in history or fiction) and compare them to the society in The Giver.
  • Class Debate: Organize a debate on the ethical issues presented in the novel, such as whether the society should have the right to "Release" people.

Conclusion:

This WebQuest will help students develop a deeper understanding of The Giver while allowing them to engage in critical thinking, collaboration, and digital creativity. By exploring the novel's themes, characters, and ethical dilemmas, students will gain insights into both the book and the real-world issues it reflects. The combination of research, discussion, and project-based tasks ensures a comprehensive and engaging learning experience.