There are many themes, symbols, and motifs present throughout the novel Walk Two Moons. In this activity, students will identify themes, symbols, and motifs in Walk Two Moons and illustrate examples from the text. Students can explore by identifying these elements themselves or in an “envelope activity”, where they are given one or more to track throughout their reading. Then, they'll create a spider map illustrating what they found!
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Due Date:
Objective: Create a storyboard that identifies recurring themes, symbols, or motifs found in Walk Two Moons. Illustrate each and write a short description below each cell.
Student Instructions:
Facilitate a thoughtful class discussion by choosing 2–3 key themes, such as empathy or identity, and preparing open-ended questions. Invite students to connect these themes to their own experiences, encouraging active participation and deeper understanding.
Outline what you want students to achieve, like making personal connections or finding textual evidence. Clear goals help guide the conversation and keep students focused.
Craft questions that begin with how or why, such as, “How does Salamanca's journey change her perspective?” These promote critical thinking and spark lively discussion.
Use strategies like think-pair-share or calling on volunteers to ensure all voices are heard. Inclusive participation builds confidence and community.
Ask students to share real-life examples or feelings that relate to the book’s themes. This personalizes learning and makes literature more meaningful.
Walk Two Moons explores themes such as family, empathy, coming of age, identity, love, loss, and Native American heritage. These themes are woven through the characters' journeys and the events they experience.
Engage students by having them identify and illustrate symbols and motifs like blackberries, the singing tree, and anonymous notes. Use activities such as spider maps or the envelope activity to help them connect these elements to the novel’s themes.
Try a storyboard or spider map activity where students track themes, symbols, or motifs throughout the novel and illustrate examples. This interactive approach deepens understanding and encourages text connections.
Empathy is key in Walk Two Moons as characters learn to see situations from others’ perspectives, especially through the proverb “Don’t judge a man until you’ve walked two moons in his moccasins.” This helps students discuss understanding and compassion.
Important symbols include blackberries, the singing tree, Old Faithful, Mount Rushmore, and anonymous notes. Each symbol represents deeper meanings, such as memory, hope, family, and the journey of self-discovery.