I finished reading reading aloud Charlotte’s Web this week, with mixed emotions. I have a dramatic scene (understatement) I do at the ending of a chapter book. I get upset and tell my wonderful fellow teacher:
“Heidi, I don’t like this. The book is almost over. I don’t want it to end. Ever. I want the story to keep going. I’m so sad.”
Heidi is ready with her jeopardy-quick response, cool as a cucumber:
“Jennie, I know you’re upset and sad. It’s okay. Our chapter book has to end. It was a really good book. Guess what? That means we get to start a new chapter book tomorrow! It will be wonderful.”
In this way, we validate how good our chapter book was, and open the door for a new one.
Reading aloud the last chapter of Charlotte’s Web was pretty powerful.
As time went on and the months and years came and went, he was never without friends. Fern did not come regularly to the barn anymore. She was growing up, and careful to avoid childish things, like sitting on a milk stool near a pigpen. But Charlotte’s children and grandchildren and great grandchildren, year after year, lived in the doorway. Each spring there were new little spiders hatching out to take the place of the old. Most of them sailed away, on their balloons. But always two or three stayed and set up housekeeping in the door-way.
Mr. Zuckerman took fine care of Wilbur all the rest of his days, and the pig was often visited by friends and admirers, for nobody ever forgot the year of his triumph and the miracle of the web. Life in the barn was very good- night and day, winter and summer, spring and fall, dull days and bright days. It was the best place to be, thought Wilbur, this warm delicious cellar, with the garrulous geese, the changing seasons, the heat of the sun, the passage of swallows, the nearness of rats, the sameness of sheep, the love of spiders, the smell of manure, and the glory of everything.
Wilbur never forgot Charlotte. Although he loved her children and grandchildren dearly, none of the new spiders ever quite took her place in his heart. She was in a class by herself. It is not often that someone comes along who is a true friend and a good writer. Charlotte was both.
THE END
Did you know it took E.B. White seventeen takes to record the last chapter? Seventeen. He was overcome with tears and emotion. You see, in the book he is Wilbur and his wife is Charlotte. My goodness!
The best book about E.B. White is Some Writer! The Story of E.B. White, by Melissa Sweet. It’s much more than a story; the book includes photos, manuscripts, artifacts, memorabilia, and much more. Highly recommended!
Jennie
She even got a ‘check-up’ in our dramatic play doctor’s office.
A Teacher's Reflections 