Student Objectives:
- Take turns reading pages or paragraphs in the book to practice their reading skills.
- Identify who the main characters and settings of the story are.
- Understand the moral lessons presented in the book.
- Be able to summarize the story in their own words.
Video Links:
- (Optional) What is Buttermilk:
Theocratic Connections:
N/A
Activity 1 – Reading Chapter 16 Part 1: Pages 118-123 (20 minutes):
Open the story in the Bookclub bookcase and have students take turns reading. Assign character roles if appropriate.
Activity 2 – Discussion (10 minutes):
Ask students the following questions:
- “How do the different characters feel about going to the fair? How do these emotions reflect their personalities and relationships?”
- “Why does Mrs. Zuckerman give Wilbur a buttermilk bath?”
- “Why did Charlotte decide to go to the fair with Wilbur even though she was busy preparing to lay eggs?”
- “Templeton says he doesn’t want to go to the fair at first, what changes his mind?“
- “How has Wilbur’s character developed up to this point? What new traits or qualities has he shown in preparation for the fair? Would you say he’s more confident and resilient than he was at the beginning of the book?”
Activity 3 – Watch and Discuss: What is Buttermilk (Optional):
If you have enough time, watch and discuss why Mrs. Zuckerman chose to bathe Wilbur in buttermilk.
Assessment:
Assess student understanding of the story’s moral through participation in discussions, completion of reflection questions, and identification of key concepts presented.