Learning Activity Packet
The Giver
Name:
Follow the timeline below to complete the packet:
Week 3
Activity 1: Chapters 1-2
Activity 2: Chapters 3-4
Activity 3: Chapters 5-6
Week 4
Activity 4: Chapters 7-8
Activity 5: Chapters 9-10
Activity 6: Chapters 11-12
Activity 7: Chapters 13-14
Week 5
Activity 8: Chapters 15-16
Activity 9: Chapters 17-18
Activity 10: Chapters 19-20
Activity 11: Chapters 21-23
CHAPTER 1
1. Describe Jonas’ community.
2. Describe Jonas’ family. What do his parents do?
3. Who is Asher?
4. What do they discuss in their ritual of feeling sharing?
5. What is this “Ceremony of 12”?
CHAPTER 2
1. What happens every December?
2. What happens when children become Ones? Nines?
3. Who is Gabriel and why is Jonas’ father worried about him?
4. Why is the Ceremony of 12 so important?
5. What things do Jonas’ parents share with him about their memories of their
assignments and of their friends’ assignments?
Word: Definition in your own words: Sentence using word: 2 synonyms/ 1 antonym: Definition in your own words: Sentence using word: 2 synonyms/ 1 antonym: Picture: Word: Picture: Activity One:
On Your Own
Think about what you know about identity. Start this activity by looking up the definition
of “identity.” Then in the graphic organizer below, write down any ideas and
characteristics of your identity that you can think of. What makes you unique and who
you are?
Identity:
My Identity CHAPTER 3
1. What did Jonas notice about the apple?
2. How do all evenings end in the community?
3. What are birthmothers?
CHAPTER 4
1. What happens to Eights?
2. Where does Jonas spend his volunteer hours? What does he do? What do you
learn?
3. What happens at release?
Word: Definition in your own words: Sentence using word: 2 synonyms/ 1 antonym: Definition in your own words: Sentence using word: 2 synonyms/ 1 antonym: Picture: Word: Picture: Activity Two:
In Groups of Four
In your group, use the graphic organizer to list the pros and cons of a small family, and
the pros and cons of a big family. Think beyond just saying one is small and one is big.
Think of the events that a small family could do and a large one couldn’t, the
communication in both, money issues, and many more elements of the two.
Small Family
Pros
Cons
Big Family
Pros
Cons
After you define all the pros and cons, write a paragraph that describes which you prefer
and why. Use the pros and cons you have listed to support your argument.
CHAPTER 5
1. What was Jonas’ dream?
2. What are stirrings?
3. What does Jonas have to do now that he has had stirrings?
4. Why do you think he has to do that?
CHAPTER 6
1. What happened to Sevens?
2. What wasn’t Gabriel at the Naming?
3. What was the Ceremony of Loss?
4. What else do you learn about release?
5. What happened for Tens and Elevens?
6. How do people get spouses and children?
Word: Definition in your own words: Sentence using word: 2 synonyms/ 1 antonym: Definition in your own words: Sentence using word: 2 synonyms/ 1 antonym: Picture: Word: Picture: Activity Three:
On Your Own
Now that you know about Jonas’ family and their lives, pretend you just went on a visit
to Jonas’ house. Write a letter to one of your family members, immediate or not,
describing the experience and the way Jonas and his family live. Compare how your life
is similar or different than Jonas’ life.
Dear __________________________________, Sincerely, CHAPTER 7
1. What is Jonas’ number? How are they assigned numbers?
2. What is Asher’s assignment?
3. Page 56, “Thank you for your childhood.” Explain.
CHAPTER 8
1. What is the difference between “assigned” and “selected”?
2. What is Jonas selected to do?
3. What attributes does Jonas have that will help him in his assignment?
4. What is this “capacity to see beyond”?
Word: Definition in your own words: Sentence using word: 2 synonyms/ 1 antonym: Definition in your own words: Sentence using word: 2 synonyms/ 1 antonym: Picture: Word: Picture: Activity Four:
On Your Own
There are several rules in the community. Although some of them may
sound silly, there is reason to each rule created. Think of some of the rules
that you have in your household. List at least 3 of the rules you have at
home. Just like Jonas’ community, your parents have reasoning for making
these rules. Give a reason you think your parents made each rule.
Rule 1:
Reasoning:
Rule 2:
Reasoning:
Rule 3:
Reasoning:
At school we have certain rules too. Just like above, list 2 rules we have in
school and give reasons why we have them.
Rule 1:
Reasoning:
Rule 2:
Reasoning:
CHAPTER 9
1. In this chapter, Jonas receives his rules. What does he think of each rule?
CHAPTER 10
1. How is Jonas treated by the secretary?
2. What is different at the Receiver’s home?
3. What is the Giver’s job? What must he give Jonas?
4. Page 78, what does this mean: “I am so weighted with them.”?
Word: Definition in your own words: Sentence using word: 2 synonyms/ 1 antonym: Definition in your own words: Sentence using word: 2 synonyms/ 1 antonym: Picture: Word: Picture: Activity Five:
In pairs
You have read about the release of the elderly. In pairs, use your knowledge from the
book to explain what release is. Make sure to mention quotes and pages from the book
that helped you understand what release is.
Release:
Quote from book:
Quote from book:
You have read about stirrings that Jonas has. In pairs, use your knowledge from the
book to explain what stirring is. Make sure to mention quotes and pages from the book
that helped you understand what stirring is.
Stirring:
Quote from book:
Quote from book:
CHAPTER 11
1. What is Jonas’ first memory?
2. What is Jonas’ reaction to the first memory? What about the Giver?
3. What happened to snow?
4. What is Jonas’ second memory?
5. What is Jonas’ third memory?
CHAPTER 12
1. What is Jonas beginning to see?
2. How does the Giver help him?
3. What happens to color in this community (vs. in memory)?
4. What is Jonas’ opinion of sameness?
Word: Definition in your own words: Sentence using word: 2 synonyms/ 1 antonym: Definition in your own words: Sentence using word: 2 synonyms/ 1 antonym: Picture: Word: Picture: Activity Six:
On Your Own
Complete one of the following RAFT activities on the following blank page. Use
notebook paper to practice first.
Role
You are part of the
Committee of Elders
You are a 12 in the
community
You are a parent in
the community
Audience
Someone attending
the Ceremony for
the first time.
A 12 in another
community.
Your 4 year old who
finally wants to know
what the Ceremony
is about.
Format
Advertisement
poster
Pamphlet
A speech
Topic
In the poster, you
will explain what
happens at the
Ceremony. You
must include all you
know about what
each age group
receives and why.
In the pamphlet, you
will explain what
happens at the
Ceremony. You
must include all you
know about each
age group receives
and why.
In the speech, you
have to explain what
happens at the
Ceremony. You
must include all you
know about what
each age group
receives and why.
Activity Six Continued:
CHAPTER 13
1. What causes frustration for Jonas?
2. What is Jonas’ first startling and disturbing memory? What is his reaction?
3. Is the Giver married? Explain about his marriage relationship.
4. Why is a Receiver necessary in the community?
5. What does Jonas wonder about when he’s not with the Giver?
6. Why does the Giver sometimes send him away?
CHAPTER 14
1. What is the first painful memory and what is its effect on Jonas?
2. Why can’t everyone have memories, to share?
3. What’s wrong with Gabriel?
4. What happens when twins are born?
5. How does Jonas comfort Gabriel? What does he think of this?
Word: Definition in your own words: Sentence using word: 2 synonyms/ 1 antonym: Definition in your own words: Sentence using word: 2 synonyms/ 1 antonym: Picture: Word: Picture: Activity Seven:
On Your Own
The Giver passes on memories and wisdom to Jonas based on things he has learned
from the past. Sometimes our parents or grandparents do the same things to help us
learn and grow. Give two things someone older in your family has taught you based on
either their own mistakes, or things they have learned through their years. Tell what
they taught you and how you applied it to your life or what you learned.
Memory 1:
What it taught me:
Memory 2:
What it taught me:
Now that you are a little older, you are able to learn from your mistakes or things that
have happened in your life. If you could teach someone younger than you a lesson
based on your own memories, what would it be? Tell the memory and what you would
want to teach someone.
My memory:
What I could teach:
CHAPTER 15
1. What is this memory and what is its result on Jonas?
CHAPTER 16
1. What are some good memories?
2. What is the Giver’s favorite memory? Explain.
3. How does Jonas feel about this memory?
4. What happens when Jonas discusses this feeling with his parents?
5. What is Jonas’ relationship to Gabriel now?
6. How does Jonas break the rules at the end of this chapter? What implications will
this have?
Word: Definition in your own words: Sentence using word: 2 synonyms/ 1 antonym: Definition in your own words: Sentence using word: 2 synonyms/ 1 antonym: Picture: Word: Picture: Activity Eight:
On your own
We have learned that the citizens of The Community are unable to see color. Jonas is
able to see beyond and is beginning to see the color red and green. Follow the
instructions below to complete this activity.
1. Pick your favorite scene from the book so far.
2. You will have to draw this scene twice using the following blank page.
3. The first time you draw the scene, it will be in black and white.
4. The second time you draw this scene, color everything that has color in real life.
5. After you are finished drawing and coloring your picture, write a paragraph that
explains what you think is good about having color and what is bad about having color
in our lives today.
Paragraph about color:
Activity Eight Continued:
Picture 1 (No color)
Picture 2 (With color)
CHAPTER 17
1. How is Jonas changing?
2. What is his reaction to his friends’ game of “war”?
3. What are his feelings?
4. What is Lily’s talent?
CHAPTER 18
1. Explain what happened to Rosemary and its impact on the community.
2. Page 145, what do they contemplate?
Word: Definition in your own words: Sentence using word: 2 synonyms/ 1 antonym: Definition in your own words: Sentence using word: 2 synonyms/ 1 antonym: Picture: Word: Picture: Activity Nine:
On Your Own
In the story, names are very important. No two people that are living in the community
have the same name. Names are only given again when someone is Released or there
was a Loss. The Elders pick the names for the Newchildren just like your parents do for
you. Look up Jonas’ name and what it means. Do you think is represents who he is as a
person? Tell why or why not. Do the same for your own name and your best friend’s
name. Make sure to support your answers.
Jonas’ name meaning:
Does it represent him? Why or why not:
My name meaning:
Does it represent me? Why or Why not:
My friend’s name meaning:
Does it represent them? Why or Why not:
CHAPTER 19
1. What do you find out about release?
CHAPTER 20
1. What are Jonas’ feelings after obtaining this new knowledge?
2. What are their insights about memory?
3. Which of the senses did the Giver have? What was special to him that he hadn’t yet
shared?
4. What is their plan for creating change in the community?
Word: Definition in your own words: Sentence using word: 2 synonyms/ 1 antonym: Definition in your own words: Sentence using word: 2 synonyms/ 1 antonym: Picture: Word: Picture: Activity Ten:
With a partner
Now that things have changed, especially Jonas, fill in the following chart to show how
he and the Giver have changed throughout the book.
Character
Name
Jonas
Character
Description
Speech And
Behavior
Reaction to
Others
Thoughts and
Feelings
Beginning of story:
Beginning of story:
Beginning of story:
Beginning of story:
End of story:
End of story:
End of story:
End of story:
Beginning of story:
Beginning of story:
Beginning of story:
Beginning of story:
End of story:
End of story:
End of story:
End of story:
The
Giver
CHAPTER 21
1. Why did the plan change?
2. How did he know they were looking for him? How did he hide?
3. What happened to his memories?
CHAPTER 22
1. How was the landscape changing?
2. What are new dangers?
CHAPTER 23
1. What was the weather like?
2. What happened to the bicycle?
3. How does this book end? Did you like it, why or why not?
Word: Definition in your own words: Sentence using word: 2 synonyms/ 1 antonym: Definition in your own words: Sentence using word: 2 synonyms/ 1 antonym: Picture: Word: Picture: Activity Eleven:
On your own
The ending of the novel kind of left you hanging and guessing what really happened.
You are going to become Lois Lowry and rewrite the ending of the novel. Think about
what you learned about the characters throughout the novel and make sure what you
write could actually happen and make sense, but be creative.
Requirements for ending:
1. Your ending must be at least 2 typed paragraphs. (8 sentences in 12 point Arial font)
2. Your ending should fully explain what happened to Jonas and Gabriel.
3. Make sure to use correct grammar and spelling.
4. HAVE FUN!
Brainstorm ideas below before typing: