Book Builders: The Giver

Course Summary

Students will explore the dystopian world of The Giver by Lois Lowry through discussion and hands-on building challenges. Each week we will examine important scenes, characters, and themes while constructing models inspired by the book.

Course Description

In this interactive literature class, students will explore the powerful dystopian novel The Giver by Lois Lowry through thoughtful discussion and creative hands-on building challenges. Each week students will read a portion of the novel and come to class ready to discuss the story, characters, and deeper ideas found in the book. Together we will explore questions about freedom, memory, emotions, and what makes a healthy society. In our first class, we will read Chapter 1 together to introduce Jonas’s world and the carefully controlled Community he lives in. Students will learn about the Ceremony of Twelve, the importance of rules, and the idea of “Sameness.” As the story unfolds, students will follow Jonas as he is chosen for a unique and mysterious role in the community. Through his training, Jonas begins to experience memories of the past and slowly discovers the hidden truth about the world he lives in. Each class also includes a hands-on building challenge inspired by the story. Students may use building bricks, building blocks, cardboard, clay, or other household materials to create models connected to key moments in the book. These builds help students visualize the setting and deepen their understanding of the story. Examples of building challenges include: • creating a model of Jonas’s carefully ordered Community • building the snowy hill and sled from Jonas’s first memory • designing a scene from Jonas’s journey beyond the Community Students will have opportunities to share their creations, explain their design choices, and connect their builds to the events in the story. This class encourages students to think critically about the themes in the novel while engaging creatively through building and discussion. Builders of all skill levels are welcome. Students may also draw their design instead of building if they prefer.

Content Considerations

The Giver includes several serious themes that may prompt thoughtful discussion during class. Students will encounter topics such as: • “Release,” which is later revealed to be euthanasia • loss and grief • emotional pain and suffering through the memories Jonas receives • ethical and moral questions about freedom, safety, and control in society • the use of medication to suppress feelings, including the pills taken to prevent “stirrings” These themes will be discussed in a thoughtful and age-appropriate way, focusing on understanding the story, character choices, and the larger ideas presented in the novel. No graphic content is included in the book, though some of the emotional themes may be serious or thought-provoking for sensitive readers. Parents may wish to preview the book if they would like to review the themes beforehand.

Syllabus

Week 1 In Class Reading: Students and teacher will read Chapter 1 together to introduce Jonas’s world. Discussion • Life in the Community • Rules and “Sameness” • The Ceremony of Twelve • Clues that something about the society is unusual Build Challenge 🏠 Build the Community Students create a model of Jonas’s community. Possible features may include homes, bicycles, school buildings, and the speaker system. Homework Reading: Chapters 2–10 Week 2: In Class Reading: Students and teacher will read chapter 11 together. Discussion • The Ceremony of Twelve • Jonas’s Assignment as the Receiver of Memory • The role of the Giver • Jonas’s first memories and discovery of color Build Challenge 🛷 The Sled Memory Students build the snowy hill and sled from Jonas’s first memory. Homework Reading: Chapters: 12-21 Week 3: In Class Reading: Students and teacher will read chapters 22-23 together. Discussion • The truth about “release” • Jonas’s changing understanding of the Community • Jonas and the Giver’s plan • Jonas’s escape and the meaning of the ending Build Challenge 🌲 Jonas’s Escape Students build a scene from Jonas’s journey beyond the Community. Homework Reading: Finish the book before class.

Supplies

Students may use any building materials they prefer, including: • building blocks • cardboard • paper • tape • clay or playdough • craft sticks • markers or colored pencils Optional materials: • cotton balls (snow) • foil (river or sled) • green paper (trees) Students may also draw their build instead of constructing it.