Charlotte’s Web Close Reading Course: A Journey into the Heart of Classic Literature
- Dan Huang
- Mar 21
- 5 min read

Title: Charlotte's Web 《夏洛的网》
Genre: Young Adult / Children’s Literature
Lexile Level: 680L
Recommended Reading Grade: Grade 3 and above (G3+)

In a child’s development, reading is not only a way to acquire knowledge but also a vital means to cultivate thinking skills, language expression, and emotional understanding. Charlotte’s Web, a beloved classic in children’s literature, has captured the hearts of both children and parents. Through the touching friendship between the pig Wilbur and the spider Charlotte, the book explores profound themes such as growth, sacrifice, and love.
We have carefully designed a G4 Close Reading Course on Charlotte’s Web to help students deeply understand this literary masterpiece while enhancing their reading comprehension, critical thinking, and writing skills. This course is especially suitable for children in Grades 3–4. Whether your child aims to improve their English reading ability or develop a strong foundation in literary appreciation, this course will provide a truly enriching experience!

Why Choose Charlotte’s Web?
Charlotte’s Web, written by American author E.B. White, is hailed as “one of the greatest children’s books of the 20th century.” Heartwarming and deeply moving, this timeless classic features rich character development and conveys profound life lessons through simple, beautiful language.
📖 Story Overview
Wilbur is a pig who is saved by a farmer’s daughter, but as he grows, he faces the grim fate of being slaughtered. At this crucial moment, his friend Charlotte—a wise and kind spider—uses her intelligence and creativity to spin words of praise for Wilbur into her web. Her efforts capture the attention and admiration of people, ultimately changing Wilbur’s destiny. This story of friendship and sacrifice has touched the hearts of countless readers.
🎯 What Will Children Learn from This Book?
✔ Reading Comprehension: Analyze plot details and understand character motivations
✔ Critical Thinking: Explore deeper meanings such as friendship, sacrifice, and growth
✔ Vocabulary & Expression: Learn rich literary vocabulary and techniques like metaphor and personification
✔ Emotional Development: Appreciate the value of friendship and the meaning of selfless love
📖 Charlotte’s Web – A Deep Reading Journey into Classic Literature
🔹 Lesson 1: Literary Background of Charlotte’s Web
Learn about E.B. White’s life, writing style, and historical context
Discuss the publication history and cultural impact of Charlotte’s Web
Group activity: Share your favorite children’s book
Homework: Read Chapters 1–2 and reflect on Wilbur’s personality
🔹 Lesson 2: Character Exploration
Introduction to main characters: Wilbur, Charlotte, Fern, Templeton
Analyze their traits, motivations, and character development
Class discussion: What kind of character is Wilbur?
Homework: Read Chapters 3–4 and complete a character traits chart
🔹 Lesson 3: Wilbur’s Journey Begins (Chapters 1–4)
Discuss Wilbur’s early emotions and growth
Role play: What would you do if you were Wilbur?
Vocabulary focus: humble, radiant, terrific
Homework: Read Chapters 5–6 and complete vocabulary exercises
🔹 Lesson 4: Chapter Summaries & Key Quotes
Identify key events and meaningful quotes
Class activity: Choose a quote and explain what it means to you
Group collaboration: Summarize the first six chapters in your own words
Homework: Read Chapters 7–8 and highlight important sentences
🔹 Lesson 5: Wilbur’s Fate (Chapters 7–10)
Discuss Wilbur’s destiny and the theme of true courage
Class discussion: Why does Charlotte want to help Wilbur?
Creative writing: If you were Charlotte, how would you save Wilbur?
Homework: Read Chapters 11–12 and answer reflection questions
🔹 Lesson 6: Literary Devices in the Novel
Identify literary techniques: personification, simile, metaphor, symbolism
Class activity: Find and analyze literary devices used in the story
Group writing: Create your own descriptive paragraph using literary tools
Homework: Read Chapters 13–14 and note examples of literary devices
🔹 Lesson 7: Charlotte’s Plan (Chapters 11–12)
Analyze Charlotte’s clever strategies to help Wilbur
Class activity: Design your own “Web of Encouragement”
Vocabulary focus: remarkable, salutations, humble
Homework: Read Chapters 15–16 and complete vocabulary tasks
🔹 Lesson 8: Wilbur Becomes a Star (Chapters 13–14)
Debate: Is Wilbur truly special?
Character analysis: Compare different animals’ traits and behavior
Writing task: Write an encouraging letter to Wilbur
Homework: Read Chapters 15–16 and answer comprehension questions
🔹 Lesson 9: Conflict & Resolution (Chapters 15–16)
Analyze Wilbur’s central conflicts and how they are resolved
Discussion: Could Wilbur survive without Charlotte?
Scenario simulation: How would each character handle adversity?
Homework: Read Chapters 17–18 and highlight key events
🔹 Lesson 10: Charlotte’s Final Web (Chapters 17–18)
Explore the theme of sacrifice and Charlotte’s final act of love
Class discussion: What does true friendship mean to you?
Writing task: Compose a short essay about friendship
Homework: Read Chapters 19–22 and prepare for the final assessment
🔹 Lesson 11: The Ending (Chapters 19–22)
Reflect on the story’s message about growth and farewells
Group summary: What are the main values of the story?
Creative writing: Imagine Wilbur’s life after the story ends
Homework: Complete class notes and review for the test
🔹 Lesson 12: Final Review & Assessment
Recap the novel and take the final comprehension test
Class discussion: What part of the story moved you most?
Certificate ceremony: “Young Reading Achiever” Award 🎓
💡 Course Highlights
🔹 Close Textual Reading: Break down the story chapter by chapter for deeper understanding
🔹 Interactive Discussion: Small-group collaboration and open-ended questions build expression skills
🔹 Vocabulary Development: Learn literary words and improve written expression
🔹 Emotional Growth: Foster empathy and explore complex emotions through characters
📩 Who Is This Course For?
✔ Grade 3–4 students looking to improve reading comprehension
✔ Young readers who enjoy literature and want to explore a classic deeply
✔ Children who need to expand vocabulary and build writing confidence
📢 Spots are limited—sign up now!
Let your child grow through literature and experience the beauty of classic storytelling. 🌟
Reading Makes Growing Up Extraordinary
Charlotte’s Web is more than just a children’s book—it’s a heartwarming tale about friendship, courage, and the meaning of life. In this course, children won’t just learn how to read—they’ll learn how to feel, connect, and reflect. Let’s make reading a joyful and life-changing experience!
✨ Join us, and discover the best version of yourself through the magic of words. 📖💡
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