Low-Prep Charlotte’s Web Activities

As a classroom teacher, I remember doing a variety of different whole-group Charlotte’s Web activities.

However, many of them were far too complicated!

This post includes some of the things we’ve enjoyed doing in our homeschool while reading Charlotte’s Web together.

Low-Prep Activity Ideas

Animal-Themed Devotional

This one is called Caught in a Web and is part of the book, My Big Book of 5-Minute Devotions.

For some reason, I never like when a book has a time limit in the name – maybe I overthink things ha! but my kids have really loved this book.

From reading through these devotions together, we have learned all kinds of things about animals.

We originally had Five-Minute Devotions for Kids, and then later purchased a used copy of the Big Book version.

Note: I was not able to find a spider-themed devotional in the 44 Animals of the Bible Book – but this has been another great book for learning about animals.

Read other books about the animals in this classic story!

Whether you have books in our home library or choose to borrow books from your local library, now is a great time to learn more about pigs, spiders, rates, geese, and more!

Watch the movies!

If you’re interested in enjoying the Charlotte’s Web movies, you have a couple of options.

There is an animated version (that also includes a sequel) as well as a live-action version.

Watch Animal Videos

If you enjoy incorporating media into your school day, there is an endless number of animal videos available online.

Simple videos like this one I found about pigs can be a fun addition to interacting with a story like Charlotte’s Web.

Or how about this more advanced spider-focused video for older kids?

Your child’s interest can guide your search for interesting videos that will help bring this read aloud to life.

Draw Charlotte and Wilbur!

Art for Kids Hub is always our go-to for guided drawing instruction.

In addition to their Charlotte’s Web themed video, they also offer:

• How to Draw a Pig
• How to Draw a Spider – You can find a variety of different options here.
• How to Draw Rat – Some kids love Templeton – They think he’s so funny! If this is how your child feels, they will enjoy drawing a portrait of Templeton. They could draw what he looked like early on in the story – or create a more plump version of him from chapter 22 (the final chapter of the book).

Try a different drawing option that may be readily available!

If you have the Draw-Write-Now books (a seven-book series), you could incorporate those! Book 1: On the Farm includes step-by-step instructions for how to draw a barn.

The Usborne Step-by-Step Drawing Book includes instructions for drawing a spider and a web.

Or maybe you have other guided-drawing books on hand you could use!

Create story characters using clay or play dough.

Invite your child to use clay or Play-doh to create their favorite storybook character – or scene from the book.

Create a Web.

I have a few different ideas for you here!

• Of course, your child could draw a web – or create a web using modeling clay or dough – but how about another idea?
• If you have a ball of yarn on hand, your family can stand in a circle and toss the yard around the group (each time holding on to the yarn before letting it go again), creating a web! Black yarn works really well for this! I loved reading how this teacher uses this idea as an icebreaker with her students. She also includes a picture which you may find helpful.
• Wait – I’ve got one more idea for you. Your child can paint a web – using water! Your kids can even paint this way while you read aloud.

Consider this: While Reading Aloud

Lots of different age students enjoy the reading of Charlotte’s Web. No matter the age of your child, consider how they can engage their senses while you’re reading aloud.

Maybe you have a child you enjoys simply sitting cuddled up next to you while you read.

However, many children will absorb more of the story if they’re able to DO something while they’re listening to you read.

I’ve already mentioned how they can draw or create with their hands while you read.

You may also want to consider allowing them to:

• Build with wooden blocks.
• Play with Magformers.
• Paint with watercolors.
• Do lacing beads or lacing cards.

What other items might you already have on hand that would give your listeners something to manipulate with their hands while they listen?

Such great vocabulary words included in this story!

Keep a dictionary close-by.

Stop along the way – that’s right, as you’re reading – and look those big words up together.

This also provides great dictionary practice for your student(s).

Charlotte’s Web Resources You May Love: More ideas!

• Charlotte’s Web: Wilbur Finds a Friend – This is a Level 2 Early Reader.
• Charlotte’s Web: Wilbur’s Prize – This is also a Level 2 Early Reader.
• Wilbur’s Adventure – A Charlotte’s Web Picture Book
• Plush Character-Like Animals – Pigs, rats, spiders, and more!
• Charlotte’s Web Costume Options – Perfect if your kids want to act out the scenes in the book!
• Manuscript Handwriting Practice with Charlotte’s Web
• Practice Cursive with Charlotte’s Web – You may remember when I shared the Narnia version of this here.
• Charlotte’s Web Coloring Books – Maybe your child would like to color while you read aloud to them.