“The Giver” Literature Unit

“The Giver” Literature Unit

Book Summary: Set in a utopian society that has eliminated pain, fear, and freedom of choice, “The Giver” follows Jonas, an insightful twelve-year-old boy who is selected for a unique and highly respected role. This new role inadvertently allows Jonas a little more freedom than he previously had, which exposes Jonas to new “feelings” and even memories for the first time. This new understanding gives Jonas a new perspective on the true cost of his community’s peaceful existence. No experiencing emotions and memories after a life of suppression to maintain order and sameness may change Jonas forever. Will Jonas decide whether to accept this reality or risk everything for change? Key Book Themes: Control vs. Freedom: The society trades individuality and emotion for safety and predictability. Memory and Emotion: Jonas’s training reveals the richness of human experience and the pain that comes with it. Coming of Age: Jonas’s journey is one of awakening as he begins to question the rules and values of his world. This book is appropriate for children over the ages of 13.

Lesson Intentions: “The Giver" Literature Unit includes vocabulary words on each chapter, writing prompts, and activities following each reading. The activities include the following:  adjective work, making predictions, rulebook creating; making emotion masks; sameness and differences scavenger hunt; volunteer simulation group activity (can be individual as well); a seven day-dream journal; coming of age writing and discussion prompts; color experiment and learning the steps of the scientific method; hue activity; “choice” activity; sensory collage; and directions for a diorama end of book project.

Material included: "The Giver" Literature Unit includes 62 pages of work, a book(s), a work journal, color pencils, scissors, and pencil sharpener. 

Creator: Lesson Plan and follow up work prepared by: Caroline Moulsdale, Owner and Lead Educational Consultant of ABC Crate, LLC, with Credentials in Early Childhood Education (Preschool and Kindergarten) from CMTE/NY, 2001; Elementary Education I (grades 1^st to 3^rd) and II (grades 4^th to 6^th) from Delaware Institute for Montessori Education, 2015; BS from The University of Delaware; Lead Teacher in Montessori Education for 18 years, and Parent Education Director for 8 years. Created in 2025.