Questioning the Norm - The Giver (Middle School) Digital Download
Essential Questions:
Is there such a thing as a utopia for everyone within a society?
Can society value a balance of individualism and collectivism?
How can personal choices impact others?
Dystopian literature provides a unique lens through which to analyze our fears about the world. These novels are intentionally dark because they are meant to provide the reader with a warning. The warning is often the theme of the text and this unit addresses the following: loss of freedom/individualism, a disconnect with nature, and government control. You will first learn about the dystopian genre in order to have a solid foundation before approaching the reading portion with The Giver by Louis Lowry. This novel follows the protagonist, Jonas, as he discovers the reality behind the seemingly perfect world he lives in. Jonas challenges you as the reader to not only question the impact your personal choices have on the world around you but to also consider the dangers that come when a society opts for the good of the people over individual rights. You’ll take a close look at the symbols within the story and how the author uses these to provide an additional layer of depth to your understanding of the dystopian genre. As you work through the reading and think critically about the themes there will be additional activities that will help you make personal connections and apply those connections to the world you live in. After all, a dystopian society carries a warning to the reader because it portrays a shocking world that is not difficult to imagine.
As you explore this unit we hope you will begin to see beyond the dark and bleak setting in dystopian literature to find the messages (via the warnings) of hope, of opportunity, and of finding yourself amidst the obstacles of life.
This text set includes the Parent/Teacher Guide, and the complete Student Workbook. Included in the workbook is everything your student will need, from start to finish (excluding their own copy of the novel):
Annotation guide and instructions for annotating while reading the text
Journals for before and after daily reading of The Giver
Reading Logs - an assignment that spans the entirety of the text, utilizing a research-based close reading strategy that improves reading comprehension and analytical skills. Grading rubric included.
Understanding the Dystopian Genre
The Essential Questions Activity
A Deep Dive into the Symbolism in the Book
Dystopian Collage
Short Story Analysis
TED Talk
Analyzing the News
Academic Vocabulary activity
Article/Informational Text Analysis
Music Pairings and Accompanying Assignment
Art Analysis
Poetry Pairing and Accompanying Activity
The Role of Nature in Our Lives (a two part activity)
Symbolism Essay and Grading Rubric
Movie review
Dystopian Short Story and Grading Rubric
BONUS RESOURCES
Informational Text Graphic Organizer (can be used with any informational text)
Two original recipes that are delicious and pair well with the dystopian genre!
Invitation to join our private Facebook group, exclusively for purchasers of our curriculum (where you will have direct access to the creators of this curriculum)
You will need to purchase a copy of the anchor text, The Giver, by Louis Lowry, to accompany this unit. We encourage you to purchase through your local bookstore, or purchase here.
This product is a digital download - see the physical workbook here.
