Activity Overview
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!
Examples of Themes, Symbols, and Motifs in Walk Two Moons
- Home
- Empathy
- Family
- Coming of Age
- Friendship
- Fear
- Love
- Hope
- Motherhood
- Native American Heritage
- Depression
- Memory and the Past
- Identity
- Journeys
- Storytelling
- Blackberries
- The Singing Tree
- Healthy Food
- Old Faithful
- Mount Rushmore
- Cross Country U.S.A.
- Hair
- Anonymous Notes of Proverbs or Aphorisms
Template and Class Instructions
(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:
- Click "Start Assignment".
- Identify the themes, symbols, or motifs from Walk Two Moons you wish to include and type them in the title box at the top.
- Create an image for examples that represent each symbol using appropriate scenes, characters and items.
- Write a description of each of the examples in the black text box.
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient | Emerging | Beginning | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Identify Symbol(s) | All symbols are correctly identified as objects that represent something else at a higher level in the story. | Most symbols are correctly identified, but some objects are missing or are incorrectly identified as significant symbols. | No symbols are correctly identified. |
| Examples | All examples support the identified symbols. Descriptions clearly say why examples are significant. | Most examples fit the identified symbols. Descriptions say why examples are significant. | Most examples do not fit the identified symbols. Descriptions are unclear. |
| Depiction | Storyboard cells clearly show connection with the symbols and help with understanding. | Most storyboard cells help to show the symbols but some storyboard cells are difficult to understand. | Storyboard cells do not help in understanding the symbols. |
Activity Overview
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!
Examples of Themes, Symbols, and Motifs in Walk Two Moons
- Home
- Empathy
- Family
- Coming of Age
- Friendship
- Fear
- Love
- Hope
- Motherhood
- Native American Heritage
- Depression
- Memory and the Past
- Identity
- Journeys
- Storytelling
- Blackberries
- The Singing Tree
- Healthy Food
- Old Faithful
- Mount Rushmore
- Cross Country U.S.A.
- Hair
- Anonymous Notes of Proverbs or Aphorisms
Template and Class Instructions
(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:
- Click "Start Assignment".
- Identify the themes, symbols, or motifs from Walk Two Moons you wish to include and type them in the title box at the top.
- Create an image for examples that represent each symbol using appropriate scenes, characters and items.
- Write a description of each of the examples in the black text box.
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient | Emerging | Beginning | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Identify Symbol(s) | All symbols are correctly identified as objects that represent something else at a higher level in the story. | Most symbols are correctly identified, but some objects are missing or are incorrectly identified as significant symbols. | No symbols are correctly identified. |
| Examples | All examples support the identified symbols. Descriptions clearly say why examples are significant. | Most examples fit the identified symbols. Descriptions say why examples are significant. | Most examples do not fit the identified symbols. Descriptions are unclear. |
| Depiction | Storyboard cells clearly show connection with the symbols and help with understanding. | Most storyboard cells help to show the symbols but some storyboard cells are difficult to understand. | Storyboard cells do not help in understanding the symbols. |
How Tos about Walk Two Moons Themes, Symbols, & Motifs
Plan a class discussion using Walk Two Moons themes
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.
Set clear discussion goals
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.
Prepare open-ended questions
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.
Encourage every student to contribute
Use strategies like think-pair-share or calling on volunteers to ensure all voices are heard. Inclusive participation builds confidence and community.
Connect themes to students’ lives
Ask students to share real-life examples or feelings that relate to the book’s themes. This personalizes learning and makes literature more meaningful.
Frequently Asked Questions about Walk Two Moons Themes, Symbols, & Motifs
What are the main themes in Walk Two Moons?
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.
How can I teach symbols and motifs from Walk Two Moons in middle school?
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.
What is a good classroom activity to help students understand Walk Two Moons 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.
Why is empathy an important theme in Walk Two Moons?
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.
What symbols are used in Walk Two Moons and what do they represent?
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.
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