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>

Love

I find it interesting that love does not play role in Jonas's community. I would think that a world without love would be very difficult to live in. It's hard to believe that even between Jonas and his family love is not a feeling that is considered. I can't fathom what it would be like to live in a world where love did not exist. How about you?

WebLog Reflection

I think weblogs are a really great idea and helps the students to really focus on different aspects of the book they are reading. The only flaw I can see with Edulogs/Weblogs is that they sometimes limit authentic reflections. There are many times when I have made a noteworthy observation, but was unable to post on them because the reflections wouldn­t fit within a role. In those cases, I have had to neglect those observations in order to find something that fits into a role. In my own classroom, I will create a department that allows the students to freely post on things they find interesting.

Appropriateness

As I have been reading, I have found quite a few topics brought up in this book that are inapproriate for elementary age students. I felt that Jonas's dream about Fiona was a bit advanced in content even for fifth graders. I also would not want to explain to my students what "the stirrings" are and why the characters take pills in order to stop them.