THE GIVER VS. PLEASANTVILLE
Lesson Plan
Student: Nicole Braswell
Subject: English
Date: 4/1/08
Topic: The Giver vs. Pleasantville Grade: 7th-8th
Time: 30-50 minutes (1 class)
Student Population: 30 (whole class)
State Standards: PA Academic Standards for Reading, Writing, Speaking and Listening
1.3.8. A.
B.
Read and understand works of literature.
Analyze the use of literary elements by an author including
characterization, setting, plot, theme, point of view, tone, and style.
1.6.8. B.
D.
Listen to selections of literature (fiction and/or nonfiction).
Contribute to discussions.
Goals for Understanding:
 CHARACTERS
 SETTING
 PLOT
 CONFLICT
 THEME
 AUTHOR/WRITER P.O.V.
Instructional Objective: COMPARE & CONTRAST the interpretation of society in
both “The Giver” & “Pleasantville”.
THE GIVER VS. PLEASANTVILLE
Student Behaviors
Sources of Evidence
Criteria for Evaluation
 READ “The Giver”
 “The Giver” – Book
 The Giver Worksheet
 WATCH “Pleasantville”
 “Pleasantville” - Film
 Pleasantville Worksheet
 IDENTIFY the literary
 Compare/Contrast
elements.
Worksheet
 IDENTIFY point-of-
 Review Questions
view regarding the
existence of perfection.
 DISCUSS opinion
Teaching to the Objective
Estimated Time:
5 mins
Procedure
Introduction/Motivation/Prior Knowledge:
“The Giver” shows a society that is very different from ours. Jonas’s world is
perfect. There is no war, fear, or pain. Everything is controlled. The everyday
decisions we make are not available. Would living in such a society make
things easier?
Developmental Activities:
10-15 mins
1. Students should have already read “The Giver”. Provide them with 3
handouts – THE GIVER, PLEASANTVILLE, &
COMPARE/CONTRAST. Work as a class to fill out THE GIVER
together.
2 hours
2. Show students “Pleasantville” and tell them to fill out the
PLEASANTVILLE sheet as they watch the movie. Tell students to also
try to make connections with what they read in “The Giver”. Make
notes on the COMPARE/CONTRAST worksheet.
THE GIVER VS. PLEASANTVILLE
3. Periodically stop the movie to go over their findings and ensure that they
are on task.
4. When the film is finished, allow students to take home all 3 of these
handouts to complete for the following class.
5-10 mins
5. Have students turn in the completed worksheets the following class.
After collecting the work, briefly discuss what they thought of these 2
stories (likes/dislikes).
5-10 mins
6. Ask students the questions from the review sheet to answer as a class.
5 mins
Closure:
Did you find their societies to be more alike or different? Would living in such
a society make things easier? We wouldn’t have crime or poverty. Is it worth
giving up our choices for a perfect world?
Follow-Up:
Is the idea of “PERFECT” really perfect? Identify the author and writer’s point-of-view
regarding perfection in society and have students write a journal on their opinion.
Materials:
 “The Giver” – Book
 “Pleasantville” – Movie
 THE GIVER Worksheet
 PLEASANTVILLE Worksheet
 COMPARE/CONTRAST Worksheet
 REVIEW QUESTIONS
Resources:
The Giver
Pleasantville
http://www.pde.state.pa.us/
THE GIVER VS. PLEASANTVILLE