Extra Credit Question for Tuesday: The Giver

A “Utopia” is a perfect world or society while a “Dystopia” is a world that is supposed to be perfect but turns horribly wrong. Is the world described in the Giver a utopia or a dystopia? Give 2 examples to support your answer.

Extra Credit Question for Wednesday: The Giver

In the Bible the angel Gabriel is a divine messenger. What does the choice of this name for the newchild suggest about Gabe’s importance in the novel?

Critical Literacy Idea Exchange, April 7th

I went to hear a presentation at American University last night, given by Vivian Vasquez and Jerome Harste. The title was "What Should Literacy Look Like in the 21st Century?" We discussed literacy and curriculum, and a quote from the lecture really struck me: "We view curriculum as a metaphor for the lives we want to live and the people we want to be." I strive to create a socially relevant curriculum, one which reflects who I want my students to be. What do you think literacy and curriculum should look like in the 21st Century?

Homework for April 7th

1st, 2nd, 5th, & 6th periods:
Create a 2-3 sentence summary for each chapter, 1-12

4th period:
Finish The Autobiography of Malcolm X

Tuesday's Extra Credit Question: The Giver

The name Jonas is a variation of the name Jonah. In the Bible, the prophet Jonah was commissioned by the Lord to proclaim judgment upon a sinful city. Why might Lois Lowry have chosen Jonas a the name of her main character?

Thursday's Extra Credit Question: The Autobiography of Malcolm X

The Autobiography of Malcolm X raises the question, can blacks and whites be equals in America? Also, is non-violence better than violence when fighting against racism? Think about how Malcolm's views on race and religion did or did not change over the course of the book.

Thursday's Extra Credit Question: The Giver

As you read The Giver, think about symbolism. In class today we discussed the apple in Ch.3 and what it might symbolize. The most famous apple that comes to mind is the apple from the story of Adam and Eve. We discussed what the apple in that story represents and the class came up with some great ideas:

• knowledge
• change
• sin
• temptation
• humiliation
• fate
• love

The highlighted words represent the concepts we decided were the most relevant or important. Look for further references to the apple as you continue reading, and think about what it symbolizes and how that relates to the story as a whole. Are there any other instances of symbolism in the story?

Homework for April 2nd

1st, 2nd, 5th, & 6th periods:

• Finish the vocabulary worksheet for Friday
• Read Ch.5-6 of The Giver and prepare for a discussion on Friday
  

4th period:

• Prepare for the "salon" on Friday. Bring an artifact to share.
• Read Ch.18 of The Autobiography of Malcolm X for Monday
• Read Ch. 19 for Wednesday