Chapter 18

Charlotte's Web

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.

1. 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

2. 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

3. Charlotte tells Templeton, "You've been very helpful." Is she being truthful, or only polite? What makes you think so?Character

4. Wilbur asks, "Do you really think so?" about whether Zuckerman will let him live. Why might he ask for a second answer?Inference

5. Charlotte says she is making something "for me, for a change." Has she earned that? What makes you think so?Moral reasoning

6. 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

Crossword

1		2
				3

	4
5
					6
			7


8

Across

Across 1. Not proud, or low to the ground.
Across 4. Spoke in a mean, mocking way.
Across 8. Rested and ready again.

Down

Down 2. What a word stands for.
Down 3. Sharp and quick.
Down 5. The best thing someone has made.
Down 6. The good feeling when something bad ends.
Down 7. Someone who makes secret plans.

The words in the chapter

humble 'Humble' has two meanings.
meanings 'Humble' has two meanings.
keen Templeton's keen nose detected many fine smells in the air.
relief the evening came as a welcome relief to all.
refreshed The children felt refreshed after their nap.

sneered sneered the rat.
schemer you old schemer!
vanished He vanished into the shadows.
masterpiece I will show you my masterpiece.

Define These Words

vanished: Went out of sight.

Critical thinking

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. 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.