The Giver

Reflections

What I enjoyed the most out of this whole web log experience were the presentations. I thought for sure everyone would do a PowerPoint, but it was just the opposite. Every group's presentation was original and interesting. Usually after the fourth presentation people stop paying attention, but I noticed the entire class was riveted up until the eighth presenters. Bringing in food and eating together was also a great idea. I give us an opportunity to say farewell to one another and proved to be a great end to three semesters. To be truly honestly, the presentations really turned this experience around for me. Posting every week for almost 15 weeks was a real burden. There were so many other assignments that needed to be done. <?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" /><o:p></o:p>

All in all, however, I think this project was a worthwhile and meaningful experience. My only suggestion would be to shorten the number of weeks required for postings. The presentations at the end truly show why these books are Newbery Award winners.<o:p></o:p>

How can we use these?

I would love to use the weblogs as kind of my class's website. I would use it in all subject and allow the students to comment on the day's lessons. Study guides and questions can be posted on the weblog also. This would be a wonderful tool to conduct math and science talks because helpful websites can be posted, so all the students have to do is "click."

Great website

http://www.carolhurst.com/titles/giver.html

This is a great website. It gives information on the Lois Lowry and also backgroud information on The Giver. Additionally, it gives wonderful curriculum ideas.

Reflection - ABM

I really enjoyed reading The Giver. Like Michelle, I ended up reading the whole thing way before we were supposed to be finished. I read this book in middle school, and I had only vaugely remembered the basic story, so it was good to be refreshed of the story, only this time, through adult (teacher) eyes. The only thing that I was concerned with is that I don't know if I would use this book in my own fifth grade class, because there are so many issues (political, sexual, etc.) that I do not know if I would feel 100% comfortable with discussing with children. I discussed this with my fifth grade placement teacher and he agreed that the only way he could see himself using the book would be with the most mature and high level fifth grade class he could get. Overall, though, this was a very good book and I enjoyed reading it with a group of my peers. I enjoyed hearing their opinions and input. I feel as if I will definitly use literature circles in my own classroom next year! 

Reflection of the process -MC

I want to start by saying, as I am sure I have, I love this book. The hardest part of doing this weblog was remembering what I read. I started reading the book and couldn't put it down. Before I knew it, I had read the whole thing. I know it would have been easier to read a little at a time. But, when I find a book that is good, I have a hard time putting it down. I feel this may be a problem for others and for students as well. I wonder what the solution could be. I really have no idea how to fix the problem. I wouldn't want to discourage reading if the student is into the book. But it makes this kind of forum so much harder. Anyway, I loved reading the book with others. It made the experience so much better. I think anytime I can share something I feel is great I am pleased. There has been so many times that I read a book and finished it. Then wanted to discuss it with someone because I thought it was go great. In this weblog, I was given that chance. I, honestly, feel it made the book that much better for me. Overall, I feel this was a great experience.

Connection- The Giver and God

1. Names: Jonas- Jonah, Asher (name in the Old Testament), The Giver- God is the Giver of all things, Gabriel- name of the angel that came to Mary giving her the news of a boy tha was to be born of her

2. Utopian society- the Garden of Eden was a utopian society

3. The Apple- the apple was what began the changing in Jonas's life. The Apple( through time is has been accepted as being an apple) of the Garden of Eden was what changed the whole structeure of the life of man.

4. The inference of Jonas sacrificing himself for the community- Jesus Christ sacrificed himself for all of man.

5. Gabriel was a subtle messenger of the change that was coming to Jonas's community. (Like the angel Gabriel gave the message to Mary)

6. Elsewhere- related to Heaven. Heaven is the ultimate Elsewhere.

What are your feelings on this topic???

My thanks - MC

I want to say, I have enjoyed reading this book with everyone. I think discussing it enhances the reading experience. I hope that eveyone had a good experience with this weblog as well.

What do you think a better ending would be? - MC

I was thinking about the ending and what I would like for it to be. I am not sure whether it does need a change or not. But if you think it does, what would be a better ending? I think I would prefer for Jonas to find a community where you can have feelings and experiences.

End of book thoughts - AK

Wow! What a book. I'm really glad that I read this book. This book has presented so many great discussion topics to think about. There are numerous connections that can be made from this book to real life, other books, or people. After reading this book, I don't think I would use it with children younger than fifth grade. There are a lot of sensitive topics discussed and I don't think young elementary students would be able to relate. As much as the ending really frustrated me, I think it would be useful for students. It would be great for them to come up with how they think the book ended and then to share those ideas. It would be neat to hear everybody's different ideas and thoughts.

Food Idea

I have an idea for a food item we can bring for our presentation. I couldn't think of much that would really go with our book, but how about brownies with colored M&Ms sprinkled on top. Brownies are dark and then if we had a little bit of color (from the M&Ms) it can represent the color that is coming into Jonas' life. I can make them.

What do you think?