GLOBAL CONVERSATIONS: THE GIVER
In this course, students participate in a video letter exchange which focuses on defining and evaluating the "ideal" society through a cross-cultural lens.
GLOBAL EXCHANGES
Video letter exchange between students in partner countries consisting of three video letters
PEN PAL RELATIONSHIP
A 21st Century pen pal relationship with a partner student in another country
FOCUS AREAS INCLUDE
War, hunger, gender roles, access to education, racism and ageism and other social issues
Students read and discuss Lois Lowry’s The Giver alongside students in a global partner classroom. Together through video letter exchange, they discuss the impact of societal rules and cultural norms on individual free will, while determining whether Lowry is presenting readers with a utopian or dystopian society. Students and their partners research and discuss possible solutions to one of the central issues of The Giver, such as war, hunger, gender roles, access to education, racism and ageism, as well as problems facing each of their local communities.
Teacher Feedback
“Overall, I thought the biggest take-away from this course for my students was that they heard directly from the kids who live in other countries about the issues that they face. I thought that was far more impactful than just reading about those same issues online. When students discussed solutions to societal issues and their hopes for the future, that was truly a highlight as well and is very much in line with Lois Lowry’s dedication of the book to ‘all children for whom we entrust the future.” (Read more here.)
Bridget Suvansri
Articles about Global Conversations: The Giver
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