The Giver - Chapters 2 & 3

Answer these questions and get ready to discuss them in class:


Chapter 2
1.  What rule did Father break? Why?
2.  What rule was allowed to be broken?
3.  Who was the most important elder?
4.  For Jonas's Father, why was the Ceremony of Twelve not really a surprise?
5.  After the Ceremony of Twelve, what becomes important?
6.  What is Lily's comfort object? When must she not have it?
7.  How did Jonas feel as he did his homework?

Chapter 3
1.  What did Lily notice that Jonas had in common with the newchild?
2.  What look does Jonas wonder if he also has?
3.  Why does Mother think the Assignment of Birthmother would not be good?
4.  Why did Jonas take the apple home?
5.  What were evenings usually for?

The Giver - Chapter 1

Answer these questions and get ready to discuss them in class:

1. How old is Jonas? Why is his age important?

2. What do you think being "released" means?
3. What event did Lily tell about? How did Lily feel?
4. What is Father's job? Why is it important?
5. When was Jonas frightened?
6. When Jonas' friend Asher is late for school, what had to happen?
7. How does Jonas say he feels? Why?
8. How many children may a family have?
9. How does the family help Mother after Mother shares her feelings?
10. Describe the community that Jonas lives in? Would you like to live there? Explain your answer.

Complete these categories with information taken from this chapter and the following ones:

Rules: Rituals: Jobs: Jargon (special vocabulary of Jonas’ society):

The Giver, by Lois Lowry - Introduction

The reader for this part of the year is The Giver, written by the American writer Lois Lowry. 

Watch this presentation about the author, the book and the main topics of the story and answer the questions that follow.

Lois Lowry speaking about the book (You Tube video):

1. Did Lois Lowry conceive the book as a science fiction novel? Explain.
2. In which sense is the way of life described in the book different from ours nowadays?
3. What does she say about the first third part of the book? Why?
4. What does she say about the readers' reactions as they advance with their reading after the first third part of the book?
5. She mentions that the boy, main character, has set out to try to do something with the world he lives in. What is it?
6. People reacted in two very different ways towards the book. Can you explain that?

Following screens:

1. In 1993 the book entered the American Library Association's list of "most challenged books for the period 1990-1999. Do you know what this means? Here is a link to help you.
2. Explain the difference between a utopia and a dystopia. Have you ever read a book or seen a film with any of these features you mention?
3. By the end of the presentation there is a song that belongs to the sountrack of the film. Can you identify it?

2014 Sochi Winter Olympics

You probably remember the latest Winter Olympic Games in Sochi, on the Black Sea coast, in Russia.

Can you find the answers to these "Winter Games Riddles"?

You will surely learn some winter sports names!

Video activity: Barca soccer and Lionel Messi

You will wathc a CBS news video and learn about the famous soccer club, Barca, and Lionel Messi playing there.

First, do a pre-watching activity to check your vocabulary understanding (A).

Then, watch the video once and complete the comprehension activity (B)

And finally, watch the video for a second time and discuss the following (C):

 

Enjoy your winter break!

It’s winter break!!! Why not use your extra time to try something new or develop a healthy habit?

1. Start a meditation practice
Now’s the perfect time! Download an app and give yourself a two-week challenge.
2. Begin journaling
Write down your thoughts at the end of the day, or even better, at the beginning. Get into the habit of doing “morning pages”, a highly effective tool for unlocking creativity.
3. Cook some veggies
Shock your family!
4. Read a bio of one of your favorite people
Pay attention to how they set goals and dealt with failure. Then make a list of some goals for yourself for the coming months.
5. Try a new physical activity
Why not yoga? or Zumba? Whatever it is, just get moving!
6. Hang out with some senior citizens
Learning how to use the Internet can actually help improve the health and well-being of seniors. So teach your grandparents how to use Skype, visit an older neighbor or grab a bunch of friends, head to the local senior center, and ask if you can run some free workshops.
7. Plan a (screen free!) family field trip
It’s important to connect with the people around us, but so many times, our screens pull us away. Look online and pretend you’re a tourist in your own town. Is there somewhere you’ve always wanted to go but haven’t had a chance? Or something you used to do as a family but haven’t done in a while?
8. Get involved in some cause you feel strongly about
Research it, spread the word, and inspire others to get involved too.
9. Reconnect with an old friend
Is there someone you had drama with that wouldn’t mind having back in your life? Send them an email, a friend request, or even a handwritten card.
10. Spark your passion
No matter what you your plans are this holiday, make sure you take the time to laugh, appreciate your loved ones, and catch up on some sleep.

Happy Holidays!!