Exploring Walk Two Moons

Overview

Grade: 6
Subject: English Language Arts (ELA)
Duration: 45 minutes
Class size: 25 students
Focus: Walk Two Moons (Chapters 1-10)
Skills: Identifying main idea and theme, finding textual evidence, explaining evidence
Standards:

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.6.2: Determine a theme or central idea of a text and how it is conveyed through particular details; provide a summary of the text distinct from personal opinions or judgments.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.6.1: Cite textual evidence to support analysis of what the text says explicitly as well as inferences drawn from the text.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.6.1: Engage effectively in a range of collaborative discussions with diverse partners on grade 6 topics, building on others’ ideas and expressing their own clearly.

Learning Objectives

By the end of this lesson, students will be able to:

Identify and articulate the main idea and theme of Walk Two Moons Chapters 1-10.
Locate and cite two specific pieces of textual evidence supporting the main idea and theme.
Explain how the textual evidence supports the theme and main idea.
Engage in collaborative discussion to deepen comprehension and analysis.

Materials Needed

Copies of Walk Two Moons (Chapters 1-10) – excerpts or full text according to availability
Whiteboard or chart paper
Sticky notes or index cards
Graphic organizer (Main Idea and Theme Chart)
Projector or board for slides
Student notebooks/journals

Detailed Lesson Plan Breakdown

1. Introduction & Hook (5 minutes)

Prompt question: “What do you think the story Walk Two Moons might be about, based on the title alone?”
Allow 2 minutes for individual quick-write in journals or share with a partner.
Brief whole-class discussion: Collect quick responses on board, connecting to the idea of "walking in someone else's shoes"—setting up empathetic themes.

2. Direct Instruction with Slide Presentation (15 minutes)

Slide 1: Main Idea & Theme Introduction

Define main idea (what the text is mostly about).
Define theme (the underlying message or lesson about life).
Explain difference and connection.

Slide 2: Main Idea of Chapters 1-10

Present a clear main idea: Salamanca Tree Hiddle's journey uncovering her mother's story and dealing with change.
Explain briefly how the narrative voice introduces us to Sal's family and the mysteries.

Slide 3: Theme of Chapters 1-10

Introduce the theme of coping with loss and understanding others’ perspectives.
Explain how this theme is supported by the developing story and characters.

Slide 4: Textual Evidence #1

Quote example: “Don’t judge a man until you’ve walked two moons in his moccasins.”
Explain its significance in revealing themes of empathy and understanding.

Slide 5: Textual Evidence #2

Quote example: Sal's memories about her mother and her reflections on changes.
Explanation: Shows emotional growth and introduces loss theme.

Slide 6: Graphic Organizer Introduction

Show a Main Idea and Theme Chart with columns for: Main Idea, Theme, Evidence, Explanation.
Model filling out a row together live.

3. Guided Practice (10 minutes)

Hand out copies of the graphic organizer.
In pairs, students select another quote from chapters 1-10 (provide a few highlighted excerpts if needed).
Students fill in the graphic organizer for that quote: identify main idea or theme supported, and write explanation.
Teacher circulates, provides scaffolding and feedback.

4. Collaborative Discussion (10 minutes)

Organize students in groups of four.
Each group shares their chosen quote, main idea/theme, and explanation.
Groups discuss:
- How does this quote help us understand the story better?
- What feelings or lessons do we think the author wants us to learn?
Teacher listens for depth of understanding, asks probing questions.

5. Closure & Assessment (5 minutes)

Quick exit ticket: Students write 2-3 sentences restating the main idea and theme of Chapters 1-10 including one quote supporting their answer.
Collect exit tickets for formative assessment.

Assessment

Formative assessment through graphic organizer completion and group discussion participation.
Exit ticket used to measure individual understanding of main idea, theme, and text support.

Extensions and Differentiation

For advanced learners: Challenge students to infer additional themes or multiple layers of meaning.
For struggling learners: Provide sentence starters and pre-highlighted passages for easier identification of evidence.
Tech Integration: Use a shared digital document or app for the graphic organizer to allow collaboration and teacher comments in real time.

Reflection & Teacher Notes

Notice students’ ability to distinguish between main idea and theme as this is a sophisticated skill.
Use think-alouds to model how to infer theme beyond the surface story.
Emphasize citing evidence explicitly, reinforcing CCSS standards in reading comprehension and literary analysis.

By precisely aligning with CCSS standards and blending direct instruction, collaborative work, and critical thinking, this engaging lesson helps 6th graders explore Walk Two Moons meaningfully and deeply.

Teaching Instructions