A Spider, A Pig and A Fantastic Farm




In Charlotte's Web, Fern Arable is a young girl who loves animals. She pleads with her father not to kill a runt pig, and he gives in. Fern then cares for the pig, naming him Wilbur. When Wilbur is old enough, he is taken to Zuckerman's farm. There, Charlotte, a spider, befriends Wilbur. Charlotte saves Wilbur's life by spinning words into her web, ultimately leading to his fame. Charlotte's Web is a classic children's book that can be used to teach various lessons in the ESL classroom.


In ESL classrooms, Charlotte's Web can be used to teach a variety of topics. For example, the book can be used to teach about farm animals, friendship, empathy and everyday actions. 


More ideas:
  • Before reading the book, have a discussion about what animals live on a farm. Call on students to name as many animals as they can. As they name the animals, write them on the board.
  • Next, explain that you are going to read a story about a spider named Charlotte. Ask the students if they have ever seen a spider before. Call on a few students to describe what they have seen.
  • Plan a Charlotte's Web ESL lesson by reading the book with your class and discussing the characters, plot, and theme.Use Charlotte's Web ESL worksheets to reinforce key vocabulary and grammar points.
  • Encourage your students to read Charlotte's Web in English outside of class to practice their reading skills.
  • Organize a Charlotte's Web-themed ESL game or activity to make learning fun.
  • Incorporate Charlotte's Web intoCharlotte's Web is a great novel to teach in the ESL classroom because it is a classic story that is enjoyed by both children and adults.
  • Read the book aloud to the class.
  • Watch the movie together.
  • Assign a project to have students create their own Charlotte's Web.
  • Have students read other books by E.B. White.
  • Show a movie or documentary about spiders.
  • Have students do a research project on spiders.
  • Learn about farm animals.
  • Do a lesson on web spinning.
  • Make a Charlotte's Web diorama.
  • Do a taste test of foods mentioned in the book.
  • Have a spider petting zoo.
  • Do a creative writing activity related to the book.
  • Before or after reading/watching, discuss with students the life cycle of a spider.
  • Have students build their own spiders out of craft materials.
  • Learn about pigs life cycle.
  • Learn about spiders life cycle.
  • Have students write their own Charlotte's Web stories.


In conclusion, using Charlotte's Web in the ESL classroom is a great way to teach grammar, vocabulary, and other important language skills. Not only is the story itself enjoyable, but it also provides a wealth of material for discussion and analysis. What's more, Charlotte's Web is appropriate for a wide range of ages and levels, making it a versatile tool for ESL teachers.

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