ToczekLessonPlan1


 * __Lesson 1: ‍‍‍‍Introducing Utopias ‍‍‍‍ (50 minutes)__**
 * Rationale:** ‍‍‍‍Students will have read up to page 19 in //The Giver// before this lesson ‍‍‍‍. Once students have gotten a brief taste of what “The Commuity” is like in //The Giver//, students will be given an introduction to the idea of utopias, the idea behind “The Community” in the novel. It is important for the students to have an understanding of the concept before reading further so that they can begin to fully understand what Lowry’s message may be in her novel‍‍‍‍. ‍‍‍‍


 * Objectives:** Students will be able to explain the main concepts behind a utopian society and analyze aspects that parallel with their own society.


 * ‍‍‍‍Motivational ‍‍‍‍ Device:** Review what was read up to so far. Ask if there are any questions, concerns, or confusion as to what has been read. (5 minutes)


 * Materials:**
 * -** Venn Diagram Example

-//The Giver// -Utopias Powerpoint

-Large Poster Paper

-Markers

-Reading Journals

- Introductory __presentation/discussion into utopias__ using //The Giver// as reference (15 minutes)
 * Activities:**

- __Venn Diagram Activity__ in which students will be put into groups to create a Venn Diagram that compares Jonas’ community ‍‍‍‍with their own ‍‍‍‍. In a Venn diagram, there are two circles overlapping in the middle. In one side of one of the circles students will write characteristics of their own community, on the other side of the other circle, characteristics of Jonas’ community. In the overlapping part of the two circles, students will write characteristics that pertain to both communities. On the outside of the two circles, students will have to include quotes from the text that show why they decided to include the characteristic inside the circle. Students will then present their Venn Diagrams to rest of class.(20 minutes)

- Have students write in __Reading Journal__ their opinions about Jonas’ community and whether they would want to live in such a place. Does this community really seem utopian or perfect? What flaws can you see‍‍‍‍? What do you think the effect of the community will be on Jonas and his family?‍‍‍ (5 minutes)


 * Assessment:**


 * Closure:** Ask students to share with a neighbor their opinion about Jonas’ community and then report back to the entire class. (5 minutes)


 * Homework:** Read up to page 34 in //The Giver//. Write down 3 things you found interesting, confusing, or important. Prepare to discuss in class.

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