Beyond The Giver

Objective

Students will analyze the themes and character development in The Giver and create an alternate ending or continuation scene that thoughtfully maintains or challenges the novel’s messages. Through planning, writing, and peer-sharing, students will demonstrate their understanding of narrative structure, theme, and character consistency, aligned with Common Core standards.

Common Core State Standards Addressed

• CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.6.3
  Describe how a particular story’s plot unfolds in a series of episodes as well as how the characters respond or change as the plot moves toward a resolution.
• CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.6.3
  Write narratives to develop real or imagined experiences or events using effective technique, relevant descriptive details, and well-structured event sequences.
• CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.6.4
  Produce clear and coherent writing in which the development, organization, and style are appropriate to task, purpose, and audience.
• CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.6.5
  With some guidance and support, develop and strengthen writing as needed by planning, revising, editing, rewriting, or trying a new approach.
• CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.6.1
  Engage effectively in a range of collaborative discussions with diverse partners on grade 6 topics, texts, and issues, building on others’ ideas and expressing their own clearly.

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Materials Needed

• Copies of The Giver by Lois Lowry (class set or excerpts)
• Planning guide worksheet (provided in this lesson)
• Writing paper or notebooks and pens/pencils
• Whiteboard/Smartboard for brainstorming and code activity
• Timer

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Lesson Timeline (90 minutes)

1. Introduction and Review (15 minutes)

• Activity:
  Briefly revisit major themes and character arcs of The Giver, focusing on Jonas’ transformation and the novel’s message about memory, freedom, and choice. Use the whiteboard to summarize key points.
• Discussion:
  Ask students: “If you could continue or change the ending, what would it be?”
• Purpose:
  Activate prior knowledge and prepare students for creative work grounded in text comprehension (CCSS.RL.6.3).

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2. Planning the Alternate Ending/Continuation (20 minutes)

• Distribute the Planning Guide Worksheet (template below).
• Guide students through the organizer:
  • What happens in your new ending/continuation? (Brief summary)
  • Which characters are involved and how have they changed?
  • How does your version reflect or challenge the themes of the original story?
  • Key events in sequence (beginning, middle, end)
• Circulate to support and prompt deeper thinking about theme consistency and character motivation (CCSS.W.6.3, W.6.5).

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3. Writing the Narrative (30 minutes)

• Students write a short narrative (about 300-400 words) using their planning guides.
• Focus on:
  • Clear narrative structure (sequence, transitions)
  • Descriptive language consistent with the tone of The Giver
  • Integration of thematic elements and character development
• Encourage revising sentences for clarity and coherence (CCSS.W.6.4, W.6.5).

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4. Peer Sharing & Discussion (15 minutes)

• Pair students to read their narratives aloud to one another.
• Use guiding questions:
  • How does this ending relate to Jonas’ journey?
  • Does it keep the spirit of the original novel or challenge it in new ways?
  • What message does this new ending send?
• Allow time for constructive feedback in pairs or small groups (CCSS.SL.6.1).

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5. Code Breaker Warm-Up (10 minutes)

• Secret Code Activity: Introduce a simple substitution cipher using the phrase from The Hunger Games for fun and brain warm-up related to literacy and decoding skills.
• Code: Each letter in the message is shifted forward by 2 letters in the alphabet (A→C, B→D, etc.)
• Message: "READ BRAVE BOOKS"
• Encoded Version for Students to Decipher: "TGCF DTXCG DQEMU"
• Walk students through using the key to decode the message, fostering pattern recognition and problem-solving (supports literacy skills beyond the main text).

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Planning Guide Worksheet (Sample Template for Students)

Section	Notes & Ideas
1. Summary of New Ending/Continuing Scene	What happens? Try 3-4 sentences
2. Characters Involved	Who is in your scene? How are they different now?
3. Theme Reflection or Challenge	Which themes do you keep or change? Why?
4. Key Events & Sequence	List 3 major events in order
5. Emotional Tone/Language	Describe the mood you want your writing to have

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Assessment

• Formative: Observation during planning and peer sharing, engagement in code activity.
• Summative: Completed narrative reflective of The Giver’s character development and themes graded with a rubric focusing on:
  • Narrative structure and organization
  • Thematic understanding and originality
  • Character consistency
  • Use of descriptive language and grammar

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This lesson scaffolds literary analysis and creative writing while allowing students to deeply engage with a complex text. The inline code-breaking activity adds a fun literacy challenge, stimulating critical thinking and letter decoding skills. The planning guide fosters organization and reflective writing, making this plan practical and engaging for 6th graders and their teachers.