'Humble' has two meanings.Not proud, or low to the ground.
Charlotte's Web
Chapter 18
E. B. White · Scouts 1st–3rd
Copywork
'Humble' has two meanings. It means 'not proud' and it means 'near the ground.'
Read the passage aloud. Why might Charlotte stop to explain one word before she weaves it?
Discussion
Narration Tell what happened from Templeton leaving the crate to Fern's goodnight, in order. Slow down at Wilbur's questions at bedtime.
- Templeton calls out, "Bye, bye, my humble Wilbur! Fare thee well, Charlotte, you old schemer!" Is he being mean, or friendly in his own way? What tells you? Tone
- Templeton says, "The old sheep was right - this Fair is a rat's paradise." What does he like best about it? What makes you think so? Theme
- Charlotte tells Templeton, "You've been very helpful." Is she being truthful, or only polite? What makes you think so? Character
- Wilbur asks, "Do you really think so?" about whether Zuckerman will let him live. Why might he ask for a second answer? Inference
- Charlotte says she is making something "for me, for a change." Has she earned that? What makes you think so? Moral reasoning
- Fern says she had the best time of her whole life, and Mrs. Arable answers, "Isn't that nice!" Why might the author end the chapter there? Author's choice
Make a Connection Tell about a time someone told you not to worry and you were not sure you could stop.
Vocabulary
- humble
- meanings
'Humble' has two meanings.
What a word stands for.- keen
Templeton's keen nose detected many fine smells in the air.
Sharp and quick.- relief
the evening came as a welcome relief to all.
The good feeling when something bad ends.- refreshed
The children felt refreshed after their nap.
Rested and ready again.- sneered
sneered the rat.
Spoke in a mean, mocking way.- schemer
you old schemer!
Someone who makes secret plans.- vanished
He vanished into the shadows.
Went out of sight.- masterpiece
I will show you my masterpiece.
The best thing someone has made.
Critical thinking
- Templeton explores the Fair before he goes back with the word. What does that show about how he helps? Give two reasons from the chapter.
- The chapter says Wilbur would have felt lonely and homesick if Charlotte had not been with him. What does that show about their friendship? Give two reasons.
- Fern goes on the Ferris wheel with Henry Fussy, and Mrs. Arable just shakes her head. What does that show about Mrs. Arable? Give two reasons.