Reader’s Workshop Science Fiction – Day 1 (1.21) Teaching Point: Readers of Science Fiction understand that the first task is to figure out in what kind of setting our story takes place. Active Engagement: Clues about setting (Ch. 1-2). As we read Chapter 1 together, notice how we stop to sticky note important details that tell us more about the setting. Independent Practice: As you read Chapters 1 and 2, mark each clue you notice about the setting with a sticky note. Begin formulating a theory about this community. Explain this theory in your journal.

Reader’s Workshop Science Fiction – Day 2 (1.22) Teaching Point: When navigating unfamiliar worlds, we can learn alongside the characters. Active Engagement: New knowledge (Ch. 3-5) Independent Practice: As you read Chapters 3-5, pay attention to what Jonas is learning. Notice what is familiar and unfamiliar to you and flag it with a note. In other words, what is like our world, what is different? In your journal, make a Venn Diagram to show this. Homework: In your journal, using your Venn Diagram, write a descriptive paragraph about the similarities and differences between the two worlds. (1.23)

Reader’s Workshop Science Fiction – Day 3 (1.24) Teaching Point: Readers of Science Fiction pay attention to how characters evolve as a result of their experiences. Active Engagement: Jonas changes (Ch.6-8) We will begin to make a life map of Jonas’ life. Independent Practice: As you read Chapters 6-8, add changes to Jonas’s life map that we created together in our notebooks. You will be adding to this life map as we read the book.

Reader’s Workshop Science Fiction – Day 4 (1.25) Teaching Point: Readers of Science Fiction pay attention to how characters evolve as a result of their experiences. Active Engagement: Jonas changes (Ch.9 - 11) Independent Practice: As you read Chapters 9 – 11, add changes to Jonas’s life map that we have created in our notebooks. Homework: In chapter 9, Jonas is presented with a list of rules that he must follow to be the receiver of memories. Rules such as: Go immediately to your dwelling at the conclusion of Training Hours each day. Except for illness or injury unrelated to your training, do not apply for any medication. You may lie. Do not discuss your training with any other member of the community, including parents and Elders.  As your journal entry tonight create a list of at least 10 rules and instructions for an 8th grade student. Be specific in your instructions. (1.26)

Reader’s Workshop Science Fiction – Day 5 (1.27) Teaching Point: Readers recognize that characters struggle; they have more than one problem and some problems will not be resolved. On Demand Writing on the reading so far. Active Engagement: Jonas’s conflicts and resolutions (Ch.12 - 16) Independent Practice: As you read Chapters 12 - 16, add to your list of Jonas’s conflicts and resolutions. Did he encounter new problems? Were any old problems resolved?

Reader’s Workshop Science Fiction – Day 6 (1.28) Teaching Point: As the books we read become more complex, the characters also become more complicated. They are not all evil or all good – they are nuanced. Active Engagement: Nuanced characters (Ch.17 - 19) Independent Practice: As you read Chapters 17 – 19, consider how each character is nuanced. No one is all good or all evil. Mark the pages that show the nuances of the characters. Chart this in your journal. Write your reaction to the characters and their nuances in paragraph form.

Reader’s Workshop Science Fiction – Day 7 (1.29) Teaching Point: In the stories we are reading, the characters face dragons- not literal dragons, which some fantasy characters do encounter, but metaphorical dragons. These are the conflicts inside a character’s soul that haunt the character. Powerful readers learn to think metaphorically about these ‘dragons’. Active Engagement: Metaphorical dragons (Ch.20 - end) what kind of “dragons” do we face in our lives? As you read Chapters 20 - 23, consider Jonas’s metaphorical dragons. At the end of the book, go back to your list of Jonas’s conflicts and resolutions from Session 5 (Ch. 12-16) and add both the conflicts and resolutions from the end of the book. Homework: Reflect on the “dragons” you have faced in your life. Write a paragraph describing one “dragon” you have faced. What dragons do you need to face? Write one paragraph describing how you are going to face that dragon in the future (1.30).

Reader’s Workshop Science Fiction – Day 8 (1.31) Teaching Point: The plot is a vehicle for teaching about ideas. The stories are not just about what happens. Stories are also about themes and life-lessons. Active Engagement: Theme pre-planning Independent Practice: Today you will complete an on demand writing prompt. In your notebook, make notes or find evidence in your copy of The Giver (cite quotes, page numbers, etc.) based on the following prompt: Readers of dystopian literature realize that the novels often serve as a social commentary. What do you think the author is trying to teach us about our society? Cite specific evidence from the text to support your ideas.