In this class, we will discuss a much-loved story of a runt pig & his eight legged friend who comes to his rescue.  It teaches us that no matter how small we might be, we have a potential to touch and change lives in a big way.  
We will discuss main characters, setting, and events, new vocabulary words, and have discussion questions each week to assess reading comprehension. This is an interactive class where students will have the opportunity to discuss their thoughts on the story and characters, as well as ask questions and even make predictions for upcoming chapters.  I will also send some work (voluntary) that can be done at home and discussed in the following class.
I encourage students to take any notes or write down questions they may have in class.  Bring milk and cookies and a blanket too if you'd like.  Bring your book and bring your thoughts.  My daughter and I love reading this story together and I can't wait to read it with you.
Opt'l pre-class:  Research the barn spider, typical uses of a farm pig, and a barnyard setting.

Week 1:  Learners should have completed reading chapters 1-3 BEFORE our first class together.  We will begin by learning some new vocabulary words from the story.  We will discuss the setting & opening scene in which the farmer wants to get rid of the runt pig and discuss why.  What is a runt?  Why are they considered less desirable?  We will then dig into Fern's response and the results of her protest.  
We will look into Fern and Wilbur's relationship & the responsibility of raising a pig.  Once Wilbur was sold, what was his life like?  Did he have friends?  Was he happy?  Did he miss Fern?  At the end, we will discuss descriptive writing and fill in some blanks to describe a paragraph from the book.

Week 2:  Students should have completed reading chapters 4-6.  We will begin by learning some new vocabulary words from the story.  We will discuss, more in depth, Wilbur in his new home, surrounded by new 'friends'.  We will discuss events that took place and a new friend made.   How does Wilbur feel about his new friend?  What makes a good friend?  What role does she play in the barnyard?  Do you have anything in common with any of the characters?  And if so, what?

Week 3:  Student should have completed reading chapters 7-10.  Again, we will begin class with some new vocabulary words from the story.  In chpt 7, Wilbur receives bad news.  What is the bad news?  How does Wilbur react to it?  What promise does Charlotte make to Wilbur and how does she intend to keep this promise?  How is Fern doing through all of this? We will discuss how her father and brother react to Fern's involvement in Wilbur and Charlotte's relationship.  

Week 4:  Students should have completed reading Chapters 11-14.  We begin with the new vocabulary words in these chapters.  We will learn about fact and opinion.  In these chapters, we will begin seeing Charlotte's reveal her plan to help save Wilbur's life and how people and the other animals reacted to her creations.  How did Charlotte's words make Wilbur feel about himself?  What does Dr Dorian have to say about Fern?

Week 5:  Students should have complete reading chapters 15-18.  We will begin with the new vocabulary words in these chapters.
We will discuss what happens to Wilbur and what setting change takes place.  We will discuss the decisions made by Wilbur's friends about going with him on this next adventure. Did Charlotte decide to go?  Once there, how do Wilbur's friends help him?  In the end of chpt 18, what did Charlotte make?  

Week 6:  Students should have completed reading chapters 19-22.  This will be our last week and we will finish our lessons & discussions.  We will begin with the new vocabulary words in the chapter.  We will talk about Charlotte's creation and how she is feeling.  We will talk about how a pig named "Uncle" played a role in the story.  Which characters would be returning to the barn and why/why not?  There are promises made, but how and why?  Chapter 20 is "The Hour of Triumph."  What is this triumph?  How has Fern changed from the beginning of the story?, We will discuss different personalities & how they may have changed.