Discussion Web for Walk Two Moons
Purpose:
The discussion web helps students visually outline two sides of a debate. This activity should help them look at an issue from
both sides, although they might not agree with both sides of the argument. It should also force them to draw concrete evidence from
the text. Friendship is one of the themes of the novel Walk Two Moons and students will have to decide if Phoebe is a good friend to
Sal or not.
Teachers can use this assignment to help students read for a purpose throughout the rest of the book. They can suggest that
students look for ways that Sal and Phoebe help each other or not.
While this discussion web is designed for the character of Phoebe, Mrs. Cadavar, Sal, and Ben would also be good options for
a discussion about friendship.
Directions:
In the interest of space, there are no directions listed on the discussion map itself. Therefore teachers need to explicitly explain
that students must fill in both sides of the graphic organizer and they must come to a conclusion. They should remind students to list
examples from the book that support their opinions in the YES and NO columns.
This activity can be done in small groups or individually. It should probably be followed by a discussion about friendship and
what it means to be a friend. It might also be accompanied by a journal entry or writing assignment on the theme. It is designed to be
used immediately following chapters 25 and 26 of the novel.
Assessment:
This will give teachers an idea about students’ opinions of Phoebe and friendship as a theme in the novel.
Erin Barker 2006
YES
Discussion Web for Walk Two Moons
Is Phoebe a good friend to Sal?
Conclusion
____________________________
____________________________
____________________________
____________________________
Erin Barker 2006
NO
YES
Discussion Web for Walk Two Moons
Sample Copy
Because she drives Sal
crazy.
Because she is friends with
Sal even though Sal is the
new girl.
She is spoiled and bossy.
She invites Sal over to her
house.
Sal says that Phoebe is like
another version of Sal, so
they understand each other.
She talks Sal into breaking
into Mrs. Cadaver’s house.
Is Phoebe a good friend to Sal?
Conclusion
____________________________
____________________________
____________________________
____________________________
Erin Barker 2006
NO
Sal thinks she makes
annoying comments.