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Chapter 3

Charlotte's Web

Scouts · 1st–3rd

Copywork

Wilbur didn't care. The food smelled appetizing.

Read the passage aloud. Why might the author put these two short sentences side by side?

Discussion

Narration Tell what happened to Wilbur on the afternoon in June, in order. Slow down at the moment Mr. Zuckerman taps the pail.

1. Wilbur says, "I'm less than two months old and I'm tired of living." What is making him feel that way?Inference

2. The goose asks how it feels to be free. Wilbur says, "I guess I like it." Why do you think he only says "guess"?Character

3. The goose cheers Wilbur on while everyone chases him. Was she a good friend to him? What makes you think so?Moral reasoning

4. The author says Wilbur was "a very young pig - not much more than a baby, really." Why remind us of that during the chase?Author's choice

Make a Connection Tell about a time you wanted to try something new and felt a little scared.

Vocabulary

Crossword
1234
5
6
7
Across
  • Across 1. To mind or be bothered.
  • Across 4. To draw someone in with a treat or a trick.
  • Across 5. To think again about a choice.
  • Across 7. Being able to go where you like.
Down
  • Down 2. Smelling or looking good to eat.
  • Down 3. Glad that a worry has gone away.
  • Down 4. Sad to be alone.
  • Down 6. Laughed quietly.
The words in the chapter
  • care Wilbur didn't care.
  • appetizing The food smelled appetizing.
  • lure He's trying to lure you back into captivity-ivity.
  • freedom "You'll miss your freedom," honked the goose.
  • reconsider "Reconsider, reconsider!" cried the goose.
  • hullabaloo Poor Wilbur was dazed and frightened by this hullabaloo.
  • relieved he felt relieved.
  • lonely Wilbur stood in the sun feeling lonely and bored.
  • chuckled The goose chuckled.
Define These Words
  • hullabaloo: A loud, busy fuss.

Critical thinking

1. The news of Wilbur's escape spreads from the goose to the cows, sheep and horses. What does that show about how the animals feel about him? Give two reasons.

2. While the chase goes on, Wilbur thinks, "Why doesn't Fern come?" What does that show about Fern and Wilbur? Give two reasons.

3. Mr. Zuckerman tells Lurvy, "take it easy - don't rush him!" What does that show about how he treats Wilbur? Give two reasons.