Activity Overview
In this activity, students will determine a theme for Charlotte's Web and support the themes with evidence from the text. One theme clearly depicted in Charlotte's Web is friendship. There are many friendships throughout the book that students can explore.
This is an example storyboard, depicting the theme of friendship between Charlotte and Wilbur. Charlotte shows friendship and loyalty to Wilbur by spinning messages in her webs to save his life. Wilbur shows friendship and loyalty to Charlotte by transporting her egg sac back to the barn to keep her children safe.
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Student Instructions
Create a storyboard that identifies recurring themes in Charlotte's Web. Illustrate instances of each theme and write a short description below each cell.
- Click "Start Assignment".
- Identify the theme(s) from Charlotte's Web you wish to include and replace the "Theme 1" text.
- Create an image for an example that represents this theme.
- Write a description of each of the examples.
Lesson Plan Reference
- [ELA-Literacy/RL/4/2] Determine a theme of a story, drama, or poem from details in the text; summarize the text.
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient | Emerging | Beginning | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Identify Theme(s) | All themes are correctly identified and described. | Some themes are correctly identified. | No themes are correctly identified. |
| Examples of Theme(s) | All examples support the identified theme(s). | Most examples fit the identified theme(s). | Most examples do not fit the theme(s). |
| Illustrate Theme | Images clearly show connection with the theme(s). | Some images help to show the theme. | Images do not help in understanding the theme. |
How To Explain the Significance of Themes in Literature to Younger Students
Talk About the Central Idea
Explain themes in simple terms such as a central idea or a moral lesson that students learn from the story. Tell the students that every writer has a purpose to write the story and that purpose can be determined by understanding the backbone of the story. Give some examples of short stories with simple themes that the students can understand.
Discuss Universal Themes
Discuss topics that are pertinent to your student's life. Examples include familial value, friendship, bravery, love, and honesty. They can relate to and comprehend these ideas. This discussion can also include the topic of good moral values and the significance of these values in everyday life.
Guide the Discussion
Prepare some discussion questions beforehand and work in a sequence such that the answer to each question makes a connection with the next question. The questions should be simple yet interesting and detailed enough to keep the students engaged.
Establish a Connection
Discuss how themes are found not only in literature but also in history, science, and even art. For instance, themes of courage may be seen in both the lives of genuine historical persons and myths about knights. Teachers can show some paintings in class to initiate a discussion about the theme of the painting.
Discuss a “No Theme” Story
Ask the students to determine what would happen if a story had no theme or central idea or maybe a different theme. Students can engage in making predictions and ultimately understand the impacts of themes on their favorite stories.
Frequently Asked Questions About Themes in Charlotte's Web
What role does the farm setting play in the story's themes?
The backdrop of a farm serves as a backdrop for the cycle of life and death in nature. Additionally, it emphasizes the strong ties between people and animals, highlighting the interdependence and bonds that comprise the narrative's core.
What may be inferred about the themes of "Charlotte's Web" by readers?
The importance of genuine friendship, selflessness, and acceptance may be taught to readers. Additionally, they may learn about the difficulties of life and the beauty that can be discovered in unexpected places. Students can also reflect on the different aspects of society and discuss the role of using animals as characters to convey human actions and feelings.
What role does the notion of selflessness and giving up play in the narrative?
Charlotte and the other animals in the narrative both demonstrate selflessness. In the end, Charlotte makes the ultimate sacrifice to save Wilbur, while Templeton the rat lends a hand despite his obnoxious demeanor. It urges the younger minds to think about the importance of being kind to friends and helping them in time of need.
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