Charlotte's Webb - Theme

Most of this WebQuest was borrowed, see credits at the end.

A literature based Webquest designed for 4th graders

Introduction

Would ever want a runty baby pig?  In the story Charlotte's Web by E.B. White, Fern falls in love with a witty, charming, and likeable baby pig named Wilbur.  Wilbur befriends a trusty spider named Charlotte.  You can jump into farm life with Fern, Wilbur, and Charlotte while you learn all about the secrets of a true friend.

Task

You are about to explore the inside of a countryside barn in the spring.  You will be listening to the converstations of some incredibly intelligent barnyard creatures.  As you read the book, Charlotte's Web by E.B. White, you must keeps notes and drawings in your journal.  Your job is to research the true meaning of friendship. Write a journal entry and post it in Assignment 1 on Moodle.  Lable it LastName_Assignment1.

Process

Take notes to discuss Chapters 1-10 with your group for week 1. You need to meet at least twice.

Day 1 Read Chapters 1 and 2.

Fern disagrees with her father about �doing away with Wilbur.� Have you ever not agreed with your parents about something? What happened and how did you feel about it?

Day 2 Read Chapters 3 and 4.

Who are the main characters in the story so far? How do you know they are the main characters? What details support your decision?

Day 3 Read Chapters 5 and 6.

What is the problem in the story? How do you think this problem will be solved?

Day 4 Read to Chapters 7 and 8.

What is the setting for this part of the story? Could this story take place in any other setting? Why or why not?

Day 5 Read Chapters 9 and 10.

Based on the story elements so far: characters, problems, setting, etc. What type of genre do you think this story belongs to? What evidence do you have to support your decision?

Take notes to discuss Chapters 11- with your group for Week 2. You need to meet twice.

Day 6 Read Chapters 11 and 12.

Fern has a special relationship with Wilbur. How has their relationship changed from the beginning until now?

Day 7  Read Chapters 13 and 14

Wilbur's status in the barn is changing. Why do you suppose this is happening? How do you think Wilbur feels about these changes and why?

Day 8 Read Chapters 15 and 16.

Complete a newspaper article telling about the happenings on farm. Remember to include who, what, where, when, why, and how.

Day 9 Read Chapters 17 and 18.

Charlotte creates webs describing the characteristics of Wilbur. Think about Charlotte and her characteristics. Choose a word that describes her and make a web for Charlotte. Once your web is complete, explain why you chose this word.

Day 10: Make sure to discuss all by day 10.  We will be finishing up next week.

Watch Brainpop about theme.

Take notes to discuss Chapters 19-20 with your group for Week 3. You need to meet twice.

Day 11 Read Chapters 19 and 20.

How has meeting Charlotte changed Wilbur's life? Do you think that his life would have been different if he had not met Charlotte? Why or why not. Please provide supporting details for your answers.

Day 12, 13, 14

Begin pulling all of your discussions together.  Especially get the Artist materials and Secretary materials posted to Google Docs to review.  Begin planning for your presentation. 

Day 15

Should be ready.  If more time is needed, please let me know before day 15.

20%

10%

100%

CATEGORY

4/Exceeded

3/Mastered

2/Progressing

1/Needs Improvement

Requirements

All requirements are met and exceeded. Persuasive and opinion about the book given with reasons.

All requirements are met. Persuasive and opinion about the book given with reasons.

One requirement was not completely met. Somewhat persuasive. Opinion given with some reasons.

More than one requirement was not completely met. Not persuasive. No opinion or reasons given.

Content

Covers the book in-depth with details and examples. Subject knowledge is excellent.

Includes essential knowledge about the book. Subject knowledge appears to be good.

Includes essential information about the book but there are 1-2 errors.

Content is minimal OR there are several factual errors.

Presentation

Well-rehearsed with smooth delivery that holds audience attention.

Rehearsed with fairly smooth delivery that holds audience attention most of the time.

Delivery not smooth, but able to maintain interest of the audience most of the time.

Delivery not smooth and audience attention often lost.

Attractiveness

Makes excellent use of font, color, graphics, effects, etc. to enhance the presentation.

Makes good use of font, color, graphics, effects, etc. to enhance to presentation.

Makes use of font, color, graphics, effects, etc. but occasionally these detract from the presentation content.

Use of font, color, graphics, effects etc. but these often distract from the presentaion content.

Originality

Product shows a large amount of original thought. Ideas are creative and inventive.

Product shows some original thought. Work shows new ideas and insights.

Uses other people\\\'s ideas (giving them credit), but there is little evidence of original thinking.

Uses other people\\\'s ideas, but does not give them credit.

Workload

The workload is divided and shared equally by all team members.

The workload is divided and shared fairly by all team members, though workloads may vary from person to person.

The workload was divided, but one person in the group is viewed as not doing his/her fair share of the work.

The workload was not divided OR several people in the group are viewed as not doing their fair share of the work.