Debating the Theme

Description of the activity:

Class Setup:

The classroom is arranged for a debate, with desks set up in two opposing rows and a central space for speakers. Copies of "The Giver," as well as debate guidelines and evaluation sheets, are provided.

Class Activities:

Introduction to Critical Thinking and Debate:

Begin with a brief discussion about critical thinking and its importance in analyzing literature.

Introduce the concept of debate as a method for assessing information and forming reasoned conclusions.

Theme Identification and Group Assignment:

Discuss major themes in "The Giver" (e.g., freedom vs. control, individuality vs. conformity).

Divide students into small groups, assigning each group a specific theme to analyze and debate.

Argument Development:

Groups work together to develop arguments supporting and opposing their assigned theme.

Encourage students to find textual evidence from "The Giver" to support their arguments.

Provide an argument development template to help students organize their points logically and coherently.

Debate Preparation:

Each group selects speakers for the debate, ensuring everyone has a role (e.g., researchers, note-takers, speakers).

Groups practice their arguments and prepare for possible counterarguments.

Also teacher and educator can take part of the debate, giving suggestions and help students to expose and argue ideas.

Debate:

Conduct the debate, with each group presenting their arguments and responding to counter arguments. Encourage active listening and respectful engagement, reminding students to critically assess the information presented by their peers.

Reflection and Conclusion:

Lead a guided reflection session where students discuss what they learned about critical thinking and forming reasoned conclusions through the debate.

Have students complete a reflection journal entry about the experience, noting any new insights or changes in their understanding of the themes in "The Giver."