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:

  • Truffle Hunting Pig:

Theocratic Connections:

*NOTE: Cover this theocratic connection after considering the discussion questions for this part of the chapter.*
Since this part of the chapter highlights a lamb speaking harshly to Wilbur, discuss Ephesians 4:29 and encourage students to consider the following article on the power of the tongue after class:

Activity 1 – Reading Chapter 9 – Part 2: Pages 60-65 (15 minutes):

Open the story in the Bookclub bookcase and have students take turns reading the rest of the chapter.  Assign character roles if appropriate.

Activity 2 – Discussion (10 minutes):

Ask students the following questions:

  • “What does Charlotte explain to Wilbur about her web-building skills and anatomy that helps him understand why he can’t make a web?”
  • “What do we learn about the complexity of Charlotte’s web-making process through her descriptions?”
  • “In this chapter Charlotte compares her life to the lives of others. She says people “rush, rush, rush, every minute . . . I stay put and wait for what comes. Gives me a chance to think.” Think about your own lifestyle. Do you rush from one activity to the next, or do you have time at home to relax and think? Which do you enjoy more, going from place to place or spending time relaxing and thinking? Which do you think is more important? Why?”
  • “When Charlotte and Wilbur are talking one of the lambs walks in and calls Wilbur smelly. How does Wilbur react to that? How would you feel if you were Wilbur?”
  • “The lambs often say unkind things to Wilbur speak harshly to him. Why do you think that is?”
  • “Earlier in the chapter, the narrator said that Wilbur’s smell attracts flies that Charlotte can eat. So it is true that Wilbur is smelly, but being called smelly makes Wilbur feel embarrassed and sad. Why is it unkind for the lamb to point out that Wilbur is smelly even though it’s true?”

Activity 3 – Watch and Discuss: Truffle Hunting Pig Video (5 minutes):

Ask students the following question:

  • “Have you ever tried a truffle before? What did you think?”

(Optional) Bonus Activity: If students are creating a “Charlotte’s Words” dictionary, remind them to add “sedentary” and any other new words from this chapter.

Assessment:

Assess student understanding of the story’s moral through participation in discussions, completion of reflection questions, and identification of key concepts presented.