A Novel Study of Charlotte's Web

Over a period of 6 weeks, learners will read and discuss Charlotte's Web using critical thinking skills to deepen their understanding of the story. They will answer questions about the story, compare and contrast characters and events, and summarize what they read. Learners will also look for details and descriptive words that give readers visuals or pictures in their mind. Learners will analyze characters and their actions and how they grow and change throughout the story. They will give examples of these character changes as we move through the story. Learners will also learn the importance of friendship and how to be a good friend.

This novel study will be presented by slideshows and novel study sheets uploaded onto the classroom for each class. Students will be responsible for reading the chapters in the book ahead of time each week to prepare for class. Class time will be spent discussing, answering questions, analyzing characters, and completing activities over the chapters according to our weekly schedule below.

Week 1
*Answer questions and discuss Chapters 1-4
*Descriptive word check
*Analyze characters: Fern, Mr. Arable, Wilbur, animals on the farm
*Important vocabulary: injustice, runt, scythe, gander, hullabaloo, glutton
*Summarize chapters and predict what will happen next

Week 2
*Answer questions and discuss Chapters 5-8
*Descriptive word check
*Analyze characters: Charlotte, Templeton
*Important vocabulary: objectionable, salutations, anesthetic, conspiracy, untenable, unremitting
*Summarize chapters and predict what will happen next

Week 3
*Answer questions and discuss Chapters 9-12
*Descriptive word check
*Analyze characters: Avery, Mrs. Arable
*Important vocabulary: sedentary, gullible, idiosyncrasy
*Summarize chapters and predict what will happen next

Week 4
*Answer questions and discuss Chapters 13-16
*Descriptive word check
*Analyze characters: Dr. Dorian, Mrs. Zuckerman
*Important vocabulary: radiant, aeronaut, versatile
*Summarize chapters and predict what will happen next

Week 5
*Answer questions and discuss Chapters 17-19
*Descriptive word check
*Analyze characters: Lurvy, Mr. Zuckerman
*Important vocabulary: schemer
*Summarize chapters and predict what will happen next

Week 6
*Answer questions and discuss Chapters 20-22
*Descriptive word check
*Analyze characters: Charlotte, Wilbur, Fern, Avery, Mr. and Mrs. Arable, Mr. and Mrs. Zuckerman, Lurvy, Templeton, and other animals (How have they changed?); Charlotte's daughters
*Important vocabulary: magnum opus, languishing, garrulous
*Summarize chapters and story
*Reflections