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A Promise and a Goodbye

Julie

Tier 1
For Schools

Lesson Plan

A Promise and a Goodbye Lesson Plan

Students will be able to explain what a true friend is, using examples from Charlotte and Wilbur's relationship.

Understanding true friendship helps students build meaningful relationships, develop empathy, and navigate social situations with greater kindness and compassion. Exploring themes like sacrifice and promises fosters emotional literacy and a deeper appreciation for life's cycles.

Audience

2nd Grade

Time

30 minutes

Approach

Through discussion, reading, and a reflective writing activity.

Materials

A True Friend Slides, Dear Charlotte Letter Template, and The Egg Sac Discussion Cards

Prep

Teacher Preparation

15 minutes

  • Review the A Promise and a Goodbye Lesson Plan and all supporting materials: A True Friend Slides, Dear Charlotte Letter Template, and The Egg Sac Discussion Cards.
    - Prepare a projector or interactive whiteboard for the slide deck.
    - Print copies of the Dear Charlotte Letter Template for each student.
    - Cut out the The Egg Sac Discussion Cards.
    - Ensure you have a copy of 'Charlotte's Web' or the relevant chapter/summary available for reading.

Step 1

Friendship Circle Warm-up

5 minutes

  • Gather students in a circle.
    - Ask: "What makes someone a good friend?" Allow a few students to share their ideas.
    - Introduce the lesson by stating that today they will explore what it means to be a true friend through the story of Charlotte and Wilbur. Use A True Friend Slides Slide 1.

Step 2

Charlotte's Sacrifice (Introduction)

5 minutes

  • Display A True Friend Slides Slide 2: "Remember Charlotte? What did she do for Wilbur?"
    - Facilitate a brief discussion about Charlotte's actions and how they showed her friendship and sacrifice. Connect this to the idea of keeping promises. Use A True Friend Slides Slide 3.

Step 3

Read and Discuss: The Egg Sac

10 minutes

  • Read aloud the section from Charlotte's Web where Charlotte lays her egg sac and discusses it with Wilbur, or provide a summary.
    - Facilitate a discussion using the The Egg Sac Discussion Cards. Divide students into small groups and provide each group with a card. Have them discuss the questions and then share their thoughts with the class. Use A True Friend Slides Slide 4.

Step 4

Thank You, Charlotte Letter

8 minutes

  • Distribute the Dear Charlotte Letter Template worksheet.
    - Instruct students to write a letter to Charlotte, thanking her for her friendship and explaining what they learned from her actions. Encourage them to include specific examples.
    - Play calming music while students write. Use A True Friend Slides Slide 5.

Step 5

A Promise Kept (Cool-down)

2 minutes

  • Ask students to share one thing they wrote in their letter or one new idea they have about friendship.
    - Conclude by emphasizing that true friends keep their promises and show care, even when it's hard. Use A True Friend Slides Slide 6 and 7.
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Slide Deck

A Promise and a Goodbye

What makes someone a true friend?

Welcome students and begin with the warm-up activity. Encourage everyone to share their initial thoughts on friendship.

Charlotte's Great Sacrifice

How did Charlotte show she was a true friend to Wilbur?

Transition from the warm-up to the core concept. Remind students of Charlotte's actions.

Keeping a Promise

What does it mean to keep a promise, especially when it's hard?

Encourage students to think about the deeper meaning of Charlotte's actions and her promise.

The Egg Sac: A New Beginning

Let's discuss Charlotte's final gift to Wilbur: the egg sac.

Explain that students will be working in groups with The Egg Sac Discussion Cards.

Thank You, Charlotte!

What would you say to Charlotte if you could write her a letter?

Introduce the writing activity and distribute the Dear Charlotte Letter Template.

A Promise Kept

How did Wilbur keep his promise to Charlotte?

Facilitate a brief share-out from the letters or reflections.

True Friends Last Forever

Friendship, sacrifice, and promises are powerful.

Conclude the lesson by reiterating the main themes.

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Worksheet

Dear Charlotte: A Letter of Friendship

Imagine you are Wilbur, or simply a friend who knows Charlotte. Write a letter to Charlotte, thanking her for her friendship and explaining what you learned from her actions. Remember to tell her what you appreciate most about her and what her friendship meant.

Dear Charlotte,























Sincerely,

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Discussion

The Egg Sac Discussion Cards

Cut out these cards and use them in your small group discussion.

Card 1: Charlotte's Gift

Charlotte worked hard to create her egg sac. Why do you think this was such an important task for her? What does it teach us about her love for her children?




Card 2: Wilbur's Promise

Wilbur promised Charlotte he would take care of her egg sac. Why was this promise so important to Charlotte? What does it mean for Wilbur to keep this promise?




Card 3: New Beginnings

The egg sac represents new life. Even though Charlotte will not be there, her children will live on. How does this show us that even goodbyes can lead to new beginnings?




Card 4: True Friendship

How does the story of Charlotte and her egg sac, and Wilbur's promise, show us what a true friend really is? Think about sacrifice and care.

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