The Man Who Walked Between the Towers - Learning Sequence

The learning sequence for "The Man Who Walked Between the Towers" spans six weeks and is designed to immerse students in a multifaceted exploration of the book. In the first week, students utilise a word detective grid to decipher unfamiliar vocabulary. They then delve into the history of the World Trade Centre through research and the creation of a fact file. Initial interactions with the book include examining the cover, pondering the genre after reading the first page, and forming impressions of the protagonist, Philippe. Subsequent sessions involve reading and discussing Philippe's past experiences, his motivations, and the reactions of others to his daring feats.

As the unit progresses into weeks four to six, students' engagement deepens with activities that include writing an eyewitness report from the perspective of a bystander, analysing Philippe's character, and debating the concept of bravery. They also develop a plan for a newspaper report, conduct research using archived materials, and refine their understanding of report structures. Through role-play and the use of direct speech, they gather additional details to enrich their writing. The culmination of the unit involves crafting a newspaper report, with careful evaluation and proofreading to ensure quality. The final week invites students to listen to and analyse the poem "If," drawing comparisons between its themes and Philippe Petit's story, and reflecting on their personal responses to both the poem and the narrative of the book.