Charlotte's Web has been loved by generations of children! This is the tale of Charlotte, the spider and her efforts to save the life of her friend, Wilbur, the pig. It is beautifully written with messages of compassion and caring.
Enrichment Activities
Alpha Squares
Make a large grid with 24 boxes. Write a letter of the alphabet in each box, in ABC order. (Put XYZ in one box) In small groups or with the whole class, reflect on the story, Charlotte's Web. Try to think of a word or phrase that begins with each letter. You might name characters, events, objects, or any word related to the story. See if you can get a word for all 26 letters. Have students illustrate each box.
A Barnyard Model
Create a barnyard setting of all of the animals in the book. Use a variety of materials such as cardboard, wood pieces, boxes, construction paper, etc. Don't forget Wilbur's trough! Make the animals from modeling clay or add some plastic farm animals.
Memorial to Charlotte
Have students plan a memorial service for Charlotte. Think of ways to celebrate her life. How would she like to be remembered? You could sing a spider song ("Eensy, Weensy, Spider"), write a spider poem, have the children write memorial tributes to Charlotte, etc.
Weave a Web
Students can design a web using straws or craft sticks. Cross them so there are six spokes. Use yarn to spin a web in and out and around the sticks. The longer the spokes, the bigger the web will be. Make a spider out of pipe cleaners and add a few bugs to the web. If you feel really clever, try writing a message like: "SOME PIG!"
Books by E.B. White
Stuart Little
Stuart the mouse is born into a human family and everyone must make adjustments.
Trumpet of the Swan
A mute trumpeter swan needs the help of a boy to learn how to be a successful trumpeter, and in the process learns to read and write.
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