THE GIVER VS. PLEASANTVILLE

Lesson Plan

Student: Nicole BraswellDate: 4/1/08

Subject: EnglishTopic: The Giver vs. PleasantvilleGrade: 7th-8th Time: 30-50 minutes (1 class)

Student Population: 30 (whole class)

State Standards: PA Academic Standards for Reading, Writing, Speaking and Listening

1.3.8.A.Read and understand works of literature.

B.Analyze the use of literary elements by an author including characterization, setting, plot, theme, point of view, tone, and style.

1.6.8.B.Listen to selections of literature (fiction and/or nonfiction).

D.Contribute to discussions.

Goals for Understanding:

CHARACTERS

SETTING

PLOT

CONFLICT

THEME

AUTHOR/WRITER P.O.V.

Instructional Objective: COMPARE & CONTRAST the interpretation of society in both “The Giver” & “Pleasantville”.

Student Behaviors
READ “The Giver”
WATCH “Pleasantville”
IDENTIFY the literary elements.
IDENTIFY point-of-view regarding the existence of perfection.
DISCUSS opinion / Sources of Evidence
“The Giver” – Book
“Pleasantville” - Film / Criteria for Evaluation
The Giver Worksheet
Pleasantville Worksheet
Compare/Contrast Worksheet
Review Questions

Teaching to the Objective

Estimated Time: / Procedure
5 mins
10-15 mins
2 hours
5-10 mins
5-10 mins
5 mins / Introduction/Motivation/Prior Knowledge:
“The Giver” shows a society that is very different from ours. Jonas’s world is perfect. There is no war, fear, or pain. Everything is controlled. The everyday decisions we make are not available. Would living in such a society make things easier?
Developmental Activities:
  1. Students should have already read “The Giver”. Provide them with 3 handouts – THE GIVER, PLEASANTVILLE, & COMPARE/CONTRAST. Work as a class to fill out THE GIVER together.
  2. Show students “Pleasantville” and tell them to fill out the PLEASANTVILLE sheet as they watch the movie. Tell students to also try to make connections with what they read in “The Giver”. Make notes on the COMPARE/CONTRAST worksheet.
  3. Periodically stop the movie to go over their findings and ensure that they are on task.
  4. When the film is finished, allow students to take home all 3 of these handouts to complete for the following class.
  5. Have students turn in the completed worksheets the following class. After collecting the work, briefly discuss what they thought of these 2 stories (likes/dislikes).
  6. Ask students the questions from the review sheet to answer as a class.
Closure:
Did you find their societies to be more alike or different? Would living in such a society make things easier? We wouldn’t have crime or poverty. Is it worth giving up our choices for a perfect world?

Follow-Up:

Is the idea of “PERFECT” really perfect? Identify the author and writer’s point-of-view regarding perfection in society and have students write a journal on their opinion.

Materials:

“The Giver” – Book

“Pleasantville” – Movie

THE GIVER Worksheet

PLEASANTVILLE Worksheet

COMPARE/CONTRAST Worksheet

REVIEW QUESTIONS

Resources:

The Giver

Pleasantville