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:

  • (Kid Comedy) The Rope Swing Safety Video:

Theocratic Connections:

*NOTE: Cover this theocratic connection after completing Activity 3.*

Since this part of the chapter explores safety concerns encourage students to consider the following video and article on safety after class:

Activity 1 – Reading Chapter 10 – Part 1: Pages 66-71 (15 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:

  • “Charlotte is desperate to save her friend Wilbur’s life, and she’s determined to come up with a plan. What are the disadvantages Charlotte faces as a spider trying to save a pig’s life? When Charlotte was planning, were you able to predict what she would do? If you were in Charlotte’s place, what would your plan have been? Do you think it would have worked?”
  • “Why do you think Charlotte is so determined to save Wilbur? What does this tell us about her character?”
  • “Can you think of a time when you helped a friend in need? How did it feel to be a good friend?”
  • “If you were Wilbur, how would you feel knowing that Charlotte is trying to save you? What would you say to her?”
  • “How do you think the other animals will react to Charlotte’s plan? Why?”
  • “Fern and her brother Avery spend their days on the farm swinging on a rope swing, building a tree house, catching frogs, and picking raspberries.
    Do you think these activities are similar to or different from what a lot of kids do for fun today? What activities do you like to do?”
  • “On the last page of today’s reading, Avery noticed Charlotte on her web. What do you think will happen next?”

Activity 3 – Watch and Discuss: The Rope Swing Safety Video (5 minutes):

Ask students the following question before watching the video:

  • “In the book, the rope swing is literally just a rope with a knot to sit on at the end! But most rope swings have a piece of wood or a tire attached to the end. Why do you think that is?”

Ask students the following questions after watching the video:

  • “Even though the ‘safety’ video is meant to be funny, rope safety is something to think about. The narrator in Charlotte’s Web said that ‘Mothers for miles around worried about Zucker­man’s swing. They feared some child would fall off.’ Do you think it’s possible to get hurt while using a rope swing? How?”

  • “Do you think Jehovah cares about if we try to make things safe? Why or Why not?”

  • “Look at the picture on page 71. Is there anything Mr. Zukerman could do to make the rope swing safer?”

(Optional) Bonus Activity: If students are creating a “Charlotte’s Words” dictionary, remind them to add “gullible” 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.