8th Grade  Project 3 weeks

Portraits & Perspectives: The Giver's Journey

Shayna P
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RH.6-8.6
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.CCRA.R.6
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.CCRA.R.10
Self Directed Learning
Academic Mindset
+ 1 more
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Purpose

This project aims to deepen students' understanding of perspective and purpose through the exploration of "The Giver" and related texts. By engaging in collaborative discussions, creative projects, and reflective activities, students will connect literature to their own lives, fostering empathy and self-awareness. The unit encourages critical thinking about societal norms and individuality, prompting students to design an ideal community that reflects their insights. Through this hands-on learning experience, students will develop a sense of place and identity, enhancing their academic mindset and self-directed learning skills.

Learning goals

Students will analyze and interpret texts to identify the author's point of view and purpose, focusing on how these elements shape content and style. They will develop self-directed learning skills by using feedback and reflection to monitor their progress. Through collaborative discussions and creative projects, students will enhance their critical thinking and problem-solving abilities, considering diverse perspectives on community, freedom, and individuality. Additionally, students will build an academic mindset by exploring their identity and sense of belonging, engaging in critical reflection and action.
Standards
  • [Common Core] CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RH.6-8.6 - Identify aspects of a text that reveal an author's point of view or purpose (e.g., loaded language, inclusion or avoidance of particular facts).
  • [Common Core] CCSS.ELA-Literacy.CCRA.R.6 - Assess how point of view or purpose shapes the content and style of a text.
  • [Common Core] CCSS.ELA-Literacy.CCRA.R.10 - Read and comprehend complex literary and informational texts independently and proficiently.
Competencies
  • Self Directed Learning - Students use teacher and peer feedback and self-reflection to monitor and direct their own learning while building self knowledge both in and out of the classroom.
  • Academic Mindset - Students establish a sense of place, identity, and belonging to increase self-efficacy while engaging in critical reflection and action.
  • Critical Thinking & Problem Solving - Students consider a variety of innovative approaches to address and understand complex questions that are authentic and important to their communities.

Products

Throughout the unit, students will create a "Community Redesign" project, where they design their own society inspired by The Giver, considering rules, traditions, roles, and values. They will produce creative or reflective artifacts such as posters, infographics, digital media, or visual journals to express their ideas and insights. Additionally, students will develop a digital reflection portfolio, incorporating multimedia elements like videos, blogs, and art to document their academic and socio-emotional growth. These products will be shared during the exhibition, fostering dialogue and deeper understanding around perspective, purpose, and ethical decision-making.

Launch

Begin the unit with an immersive role-play activity where students are assigned roles within a fictional society similar to Jonas's community in The Giver. Each student will receive a unique set of guidelines and responsibilities that reflect the societal rules and values. Throughout the activity, they will make decisions based on their assigned roles, sparking discussions about the impact of rules, individuality, and empathy. This experiential launch will set the stage for deeper exploration of the themes and essential questions throughout the unit.

Exhibition

Students will host a "Community Showcase" where they present their redesigned societies inspired by The Giver to peers, families, and community members. Each student will display their creative or reflective artifacts, such as posters or digital media, and explain the rules, values, and purpose of their ideal community. The event will include interactive discussions and Q&A sessions, allowing attendees to engage with students’ insights on perspective, empathy, and individuality.