Objective

By the end of this lesson, the student will have a better understanding of the themes in "The Giver," including the importance of emotions, memories, and choices. They will also create art inspired by the book and engage in discussions that enhance their comprehension and critical thinking skills.

Materials and Prep

• Copy of "The Giver" by Lois Lowry
• Paper and colored pencils or markers
• Notebook for writing reflections
• Timer for activities
• Optional: A quiet space for reading

Before the lesson, read the first few chapters of "The Giver" to familiarize the student with the setting and characters. Prepare a comfortable reading area to help the student focus.

Activities

• Story Time:

  Read selected passages from "The Giver" together. After reading, discuss what has happened in the story and how the characters might be feeling.

• Emotion Art:

  Ask the student to draw a scene from the book that made them feel a strong emotion. They can use colors to represent different feelings, such as blue for sadness or red for anger.

• Memory Sharing:

  Have a conversation about memories. Ask the student to share a favorite memory and then discuss why it is special to them. Relate this back to the importance of memories in "The Giver."

• Choice Discussion:

  Talk about choices in life. Ask the student to think of a choice they made today and how it affected their day. Connect this to the choices characters in the book have to make.

Talking Points

• "What do you think is the most important feeling in the world? Why?"
• "Can you remember a time when you felt really happy or really sad? What happened?"
• "Why do you think memories are important in our lives?"
• "How do you feel about the choices that characters make in the story? Would you make the same choices?"
• "If you could choose one thing to change in your life, what would it be?"
• "What colors would you use to show happiness? What about sadness?"
• "How do you think the world would be different if everyone felt the same emotions?"