Today students pondered the characteristics, in their minds, of a utopian community, and then contrasted that with their vision of a dystopian society. This will be one of the underlying themes of our current novel, The Giver by Lois Lowry. As the setting unfolds in the exposition of the book, students will examine the unique features of this fictional world, from the geographical landscape and climate to the social structure and rituals of the people. They will also begin to analyze characters that emerge, and look at the ways in which setting defines character as well as plot events.
I've encouraged students to listen to the audio as they read along if this helps them, and Ms. Deal has linked it to her website. Students are filling in character and plot charts at the end of each chapter to trace the development of these elements; as well, they may use sticky notes to practice reading strategies such as prediction, questioning, clarifying, and ah-ha! moments. There will be periodic quizzes as an accountability and formative assessment measure, and various activities connected to the story. We will also engage in language study, examining not only new vocabulary, but the author's unique use of language as a characteristic of this society.
Please remind your student that their short stories are due on Friday! I'll be reminding them in class too!
Homework: Short stories due Friday!
Monday: Finish reading ch. 1 & 2; fill in charts
Tuesday: Finish reading ch. 3, 4, 5; fill in charts (possible quiz tomorrow)
Wednesday: Work on editing/revising/finalizing short story
Thursday: Finish reading ch. 6 & 7 if needed; fill in charts; STORY DUE TOMORROW!
Friday: Read ch. 8 & 9; fill in charts
Reading support charts
Vocabulary Lists
Class discussion questions
Language Study: Euphemisms
