A great little Chistmasy story, and a particular hit with the younger child.

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Wow, I'm amazed that all the times I've read this, it's never before been in December. Probably because inexplicably I don't own a copy. This was the one on display that sucked me into the picture books. I really was only running into the library to return some things. But then nostalgia.

Library copy

This book is a great chapter book for 3rd-5th graders to read. The third graders can get this book on audio and follow along. This amazing book brings farm animals to life as they try their best to save a pig from being slaughtered. The things they do and the words they spell out ends up helping the pig named Wilbur from being killed and eaten. 

LEXILE: 680L

A literary classic that would be perfect for the whole class to read. It's about friendship, growing up, and the power of words. There are so many things that children can take away from this story and a lot of English lessons can come out if it for teachers.

Lexile: 680

Reading Level: 3rd- 7th grade

Charlotte's Web is a beloved classic. It is a tale of truth, friendship, and preserving. These are qualities that are important from children to understand. Wilbur defies the odds and becomes the most famous pig ever and he could not have done it without the help of his friends. This book uses words in a great educational way and helps children develop the skills needed to understand the meaning. A great activity to reinforce the vocabulary in the book is to have students create a spider web word wall. As a class, we will discuss the unfamiliar and intriguing words in the book and display them on our spider web. Another activity is to have students create their own parachutes to carry away their spider babies. This is a great way to incorporate STEAM into the lesson. This activity will depend on the grade level but students can work together to figure out the best design.

Lexile 680L

Charlotte's Web by E.B. White is a novel about a girl named Fern who adopts a pig named Wilbur. Wilbur is a runt born of a litter on Fern's father's farm. When it is announced that her father is going to kill the pig, Fern rushes forth to save it. Her father spares the pig, but only if Fern agrees to care for it. Falling in love immediately with the little pig, she feeds him regularly with a bottle, and names him Wilbur. Wilbur is Fern's constant companion until he grows big enough to be transferred to his new home in the barn of Fern's neighboring uncle. Fern is able to visit Wilbur, but is unable to see him as often. Out of boredom, Wilbur begins to befriend other animals in the barn, who often patronizingly instruct the still naïve little pig in the ways of life. His most important friend, however, turns out to be a spider named Charlotte, who occupies a web in the corner of a doorway above him. Her love for Wilbur, coupled with her ingenuity, will save Wilbur's life.

Guided Reading Level: R

Classroom Activities: Students can make a campaign poster to save Wilbur. Ask them to pay close attention to their word choice and to choose different words than E.B. White did in Charlotte’s Web.