Students will be able to identify the second word Charlotte writes in "Charlotte's Web" and describe how this word changes people's minds about Wilbur.
This lesson helps 2nd-grade students explore the power of words, specifically focusing on the second word Charlotte writes in "Charlotte's Web." Understanding this helps students recognize character development, the power of persuasion, and the importance of friendship qualities in literature and real life. This lesson is designed for a single 30-minute session for 2nd-grade students.
Audience
2nd Grade
Time
30 minutes
Approach
Through a warm-up, reading, discussion, and an interactive game, students will discover the impact of Charlotte's second word.
Materials
Terrific Words Slides, Charlotte's Web (Chapter 11) or a read-aloud excerpt, Word Hunt Clue Cards, and My Terrific Friend Journal Prompt
Display Terrific Words Slides (Slide 1). - Ask students: "What does the word 'terrific' mean? When might you use it?" - Facilitate a brief discussion, encouraging students to share examples. Write down student responses on the board or chart paper.
Step 2
More Web Words
10 minutes
Display Terrific Words Slides (Slide 2). - Explain that Charlotte didn't stop at 'terrific.' Introduce that she wrote a second, very important word. - Read aloud Chapter 11 of Charlotte's Web (or the relevant excerpt where Charlotte writes 'Radiant'). - Ask students to identify the second word Charlotte wrote. (Answer: Radiant). - Display Terrific Words Slides (Slide 3). Discuss the meaning of 'radiant' using context clues from the book. How does this word make people feel about Wilbur? How does it change their minds?
Step 3
Read and Discuss
5 minutes
Display Terrific Words Slides (Slide 4). - Discuss the impact of Charlotte's words: How did 'terrific' and 'radiant' work together? Why were these words so powerful? - Emphasize how words can change perceptions and highlight qualities.
Step 4
"Terrific" Word Hunt Game
5 minutes
Divide students into small groups. - Distribute Word Hunt Clue Cards to each group. - Explain that each card has a clue describing a positive quality, similar to 'radiant.' Students must work together to guess the word. - After guessing, discuss how these words could be used to describe a friend or someone admired.
Step 5
Journal: A Terrific Friend
5 minutes
Distribute My Terrific Friend Journal Prompt. - Display Terrific Words Slides (Slide 5). - Instruct students to write about a friend and use one or more of the new 'terrific' words to describe them. They should explain why they chose that word. - Collect journals or allow students to share with a partner if time permits.
Slide Deck
What Does 'Terrific' Mean?
When do you use the word "terrific"? What does it make you think of?
Welcome students and introduce the concept of powerful words. Ask them to think about what 'terrific' means and when they hear or use it.
Beyond "Terrific": Charlotte's Second Word
Charlotte wrote another word about Wilbur... What was it? What does this word mean?
Recap that Charlotte first wrote 'Terrific.' Now, tell students that Charlotte wrote another word even more special. Read Chapter 11 from Charlotte's Web, focusing on the moment she writes 'Radiant.' Ask students to listen carefully for the new word. After reading, reveal the word and discuss its definition.
Radiant: A Powerful Word
Radiant means: - Shining brightly - Showing great joy, happiness, or health
How did this word change how people saw Wilbur?
Lead a discussion on the meaning of 'radiant.' Guide students to connect the word to Wilbur's appearance and the farmers' changed opinions. Emphasize how a single word can shift perception.
The Power of Words
How did Charlotte's words make Wilbur seem extra special? Why are words important?
Facilitate a discussion about the combined effect of 'terrific' and 'radiant.' Encourage students to think about why specific words are chosen and how they can highlight positive qualities in others.
My Terrific Friend
Think of a friend. How can you describe them using powerful words?
Introduce the journal activity. Encourage students to think about their friends and choose powerful words to describe them, just like Charlotte did for Wilbur.
Game
Word Hunt: Find the Terrific Word!
Instructions:
Work with your group to read each clue card.
Discuss what positive word the clue is describing.
Write down your guess.
Be ready to share your word and why it fits the clue!
Clue Card 1
Clue: This word means you are full of energy and very lively. You might feel this way when you play your favorite game!
What's the word?
Clue Card 2
Clue: This word describes someone who is very kind and always thinks about others' feelings. They are a good friend who helps when you are sad.
What's the word?
Clue Card 3
Clue: If you are smart and learn new things quickly, this word describes you! You might be great at solving puzzles or understanding tricky subjects.
What's the word?
Clue Card 4
Clue: This word means you are brave and not afraid to try new things or stand up for what is right, even when it's hard.
What's the word?
Clue Card 5
Clue: When you are happy, positive, and always looking for the good in things, this word describes your attitude.
What's the word?
Clue Card 6
Clue: This word is for someone who works very hard and never gives up, even when a task is difficult.
What's the word?
Journal
My Terrific Friend
Think about one of your friends. What makes them special? Just like Charlotte used powerful words to describe Wilbur, think about some amazing words you could use to describe your friend.
Choose one or two of those words (maybe even some new ones you learned today, like "radiant" or from the Word Hunt game!). Write about your friend and explain why those words fit them perfectly. How do their actions show these qualities?
What other words could you use to make your friend feel special?
