The Giver Lesson Plan

Utopian Communities

Kind of Activity:

Research

Objective:

To understand how Jonas' community compares to other historical utopian communities in the US

Common Core Standards:

CCSS.RH.6-8.2

Structure:

Have students define the word "utopia." Discuss whether discuss whether Jonas' community has features of a utopian community. Some points worth mentioning:

- The community is "extraordinarily safe, each citizen watchful and protective of all children" (chapter 6).

- Life conforms to a predictable, safe routine: "The evening proceeded as all evenings did in the family unit, in the dwelling, in the community: quiet, reflective, a time for renewal and preparation for the...