Chapter 11 · Charlotte's Web

Copywork

On foggy mornings, Charlotte's web was truly a thing of beauty. This morning each thin strand was decorated with dozens of tiny beads of water.

Read the passage aloud. What can you picture when you hear the web covered in tiny beads of water?

Narration Tell what happened from the foggy morning to the Sunday sermon, in order. Slow down at the moment Lurvy sees the words.

Lurvy drops to his knees and says a prayer when he sees the web. What do you think he is feeling? What makes you think so? Inference
Charlotte is delighted that her trick is working. Is it all right to fool people to save a friend? Why or why not? Moral reasoning
Mr. Zuckerman speaks "in an important voice" about Wilbur. How does he sound to you? What tells you? Tone
Mrs. Zuckerman says, "we have no ordinary spider." Why might she look at the spider and not the pig? Character
The author lists many kinds of cars in the Zuckermans' driveway. Why might the author make the list so long? Author's choice

Make a Connection Tell about a time everyone got excited about something and you were not sure why.

strand: This morning each thin strand was decorated One thin thread.
decorated: was decorated with dozens of tiny beads of water. Made pretty with extra touches.
glistened: The web glistened in the light Shone with a wet sparkle.
solemnly: he walked solemnly back up to the house In a serious, quiet way.
bewilderment: A look of complete bewilderment came over Mrs. Zuckerman's face. Being so puzzled you cannot think.
miracle: A miracle has happened on this farm. A wonderful thing that seems impossible.
distinct: a spider's web looks very distinct in a fog Easy to see clearly.
wondrous: the Zuckermans had a wondrous pig. Full of wonder.
neglected: he neglected his farm work. Did not look after something.

Mr. Zuckerman puts on his best suit and drives to the minister. What does this show about how he feels about the web? Give two reasons.
The Zuckermans are so busy with visitors that other jobs on the farm go undone. What does that show about the web? Give two reasons.
Fern is happy about the web, and also finds the barn less pleasant. Why does she feel both? Give two reasons from the chapter.