The Giver

Decisions. Think about how many decisions you've made today: Should I say "I love you" to Mom or Dad? Should I eat breakfast or not? Should I complete the assignment my language arts teacher gave yesterday?

The producers of today's performance of The Giver were also faced with decisions. Due to time constraints and other issues, particularly the fact that this is a theatrical performance with real people and real props, parts of The Giver were obviously "changed" is some ways. "Changed," however, may not be the best way to express this idea. The producers, more accurately, interpreted The Giver in certain ways. Your notions of what actually happened in the novel, particularly the end, may be different. It's okay to have different interpretations. Interpretations allow the viewers to have a dialogue about the performance and to make reasonable judgments. These judgments are like the book reviews you've recently written.

Anticipatory Set:
Teachers and students may discuss their reactions to the performance by using the attached discussion questions.

Objectives: 
1. Students will create a Venn diagram that visualizes the similarities and differences between the novel and the performance. 
2. Based upon the Venn diagram, students will write a review of the performance. 

Materials:
1. Venn Diagram 
2. Notebooks
3. Markers and other appropriate writing utensils
4. Construction paper
5. Creativity & Insight!

Procedure:
1. The teacher will assign students to groups of 3-4.   
2. The teacher will label the left side of the diagram "The Novel" and the right side "The Performance." In the middle, teachers will write "Items in Common." 
3. In the novel side, students will write words and phrases that explain what aspects of the The Giver were only found in the novel. In the performance side, students will write words and phrases that explain what aspects of The Giver were only found in the performance. In the middle, students will write elements in common.
4. After an appropriate amount of time, teachers may display the diagrams or may ask each group to deliver a brief "mini-presentation." In any case, a lot of good discussion should ensue.
5. After the diagrams are discussed, students will each individually write a review that evaluates and judges the effectiveness of the decisions the producers made in the production of today's show. Each review should contain an introduction, body, and conclusion. If the essays are not completed in class, they may be completed by Monday.

Closure:
Before the day expires, teachers and students may discuss their progress with the writing. Some sharing would certainly be appropriate.