Charlotte's Web learning resource

Charlotte's Web is an adaptation of the classic novel of the same name written by E.B. White and illustrated by Garth Williams.

Have you read Charlotte's Web?

Do you have a copy of the book?

If you don't, why not borrow it from your library.

Life on a farm

Charlotte's Web takes place in the United States in the 1950s, so the farm described in the story is different from a farm you might have visited in Australia. However, it is still helpful to discuss with the rest of the class what you know about life on a farm and how that is different from life in the city. If you live on a farm, or in a rural community, you can compare your experience with the story told in Charlotte's Web.

Read Chapters 1, 2 and 3 of Charlotte’s Web.

As a class have a look at Garth Williams' illustrations for these chapters. What elements of the story does he focus on? Does he give you much of an idea of the world or setting?

What do you imagine the Zuckerman's farm looks like? Draw the farmhouse, the hoghouse, Wilbur's yard, the barn and the orchard. Add fences, fields, creeks, trees and ponds. Use your imagination.

Compare your drawing with those of other students in your class. What are the differences? What are the similarities?

Work in small groups to explore ideas for turning the opening of the novel into the opening sequence of a film.

What will the viewers see first?

How will the setting of the story be introduced to viewers?

How will they be drawn into the story and which characters will be introduced first?

Remember the film version of a story does not have to be exactly the same as the novel. In a film what viewers see is just as important as the dialogue spoken by the characters.

Use a storyboard to plot out the main elements of your opening scene. (We have provided a storyboard template below.) Think about how you will present the world of the film as well as introduce the characters and the story.

Note for teachers

Are you exploring the book as well as the film with your students? This resource offers some great ideas for teaching the novel.

Initial response

Did you enjoy the film? Why?

What stood out in the film? Explain.

Which scene was the most memorable? Why?

Discuss your response to the film in small groups and then share with the class as a whole.

The opening

Do you remember how the Charlotte's Web film begins? -- It begins as an animation and then changes into live action.

Did you like the way the film began?

Why do you think the filmmakers decided to begin the film this way?

The ending

Did you expect the story to end in the way that it did?

Did you think it was a good and effective way of finishing the story?

How did the ending make you feel?

Main characters

Wilbur and Charlotte are the main characters in Charlotte's Web.

For viewers to be interested in the story, they need to care about the main characters. Why do we care so much about Wilbur? Choose 3 words that describe Wilbur's personality and what he is like. Share these words with the rest of the class.

Many people don't like spiders. What is it about Charlotte that makes her so loveable? What are some of the techniques used by the filmmakers to make sure viewers don't find Charlotte scary?

Once you have shared your thoughts about Wilbur and Charlotte as a class, use the Character response worksheet to focus on the role they each play in the story.

Character design

You can find out more about the way Charlotte was designed and built using CGI in this clip.

Other animal characters

Now list all the other animal characters. See if you can remember them all. (You can find them listed here if you need some help.)

In pairs come up with descriptive words (adjectives) and phrases that sum up each of the animal characters.

Share with the rest of the class and write the words next to the character's name.

These animal characters are more like people than real farmyard animals. Which of your descriptive words and phrases could be used to describe a person?

Choose your favourite animal character and use the Favourite character worksheet to explain what is special about this character.

People characters

As a class, list the main people characters and describe their role in the story.
When the story begins, it seems as though Charlotte's Web is going to be a story about the friendship between Fern and Wilbur. Are you disappointed that Fern becomes a minor (less important) character in the story? Why? Why not? Explain your answer.

Themes

1. Being a leader

In this story, Charlotte is a leader. A leader is someone who guides and inspires others.

Think about the people you know who are leaders. What is special about them? Brainstorm the many qualities of a leader.

2. Friendship

How would you describe the friendship between Wilbur and Charlotte? What are some examples of them being good and caring friends?

Write a paragraph in your journal about why you think Charlotte and Wilbur are such good friends to each other.

3. Loyalty

What is loyalty? Which characters are loyal in Charlotte's Web? What makes you say that? Give some examples.

When has someone been a loyal friend to you? When have you been a loyal friend? You can share these experiences with the person next to you or write them down in your journal if you prefer.

What other stories have you read or watched that have been about the loyalty that good friends show to each other?

Leadership, friendship and loyalty are all important messages. What other stories or films do you know where animal characters are used to explore important human themes?

Scene analysis

Do you know that you can read a film? Just like when you read a book, when you watch a film, you are given lots of clues about the meaning of the story. And in the same way as learning to read books, the more we learn about HOW a film story is told, the better we understand it.

As a class, watch this scene from Charlotte's Web and then use the worksheet (below) to think more carefully about what is going on in this scene. You can either work in pairs or in small groups. Remember to share your discoveries with the rest of the class.

Making the movie

Did you know Charlotte's Web was made in Australia? As well as being filmed here, Australian VFX studios helped animate the animal characters and build the magical world of the story.

You can find out more about how it was made using incredible VFX technology in this video.

Other activities

Tell the story of Charlotte’s Web from another character’s point of view.

Pretend you are a reporter for the local newspaper. Write a newspaper article about the events that take place.

Plan the sequel. This could be done as a written piece, picture, or comic strip.

Write a story summary including:

• Setting: Where did this story take place?
• Characters: Who were the characters?
• Conflict: What was the problem that had to be solved?
• Conclusion: How did the story end?