Difference between revisions of "Charlotte's Web"
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*scythe (Chapter 3), pronounced sithe with a long "i" and a silent "c", meaning a long curved blade attached to long stick as its handle for chopping grass, weeds, or crops | *scythe (Chapter 3), pronounced sithe with a long "i" and a silent "c", meaning a long curved blade attached to long stick as its handle for chopping grass, weeds, or crops | ||
*lilac (Chapter 6, second sentence), pronounced ˈlī-lahk, meaning a popular pinkish-purplish European flower named after the Greek word for pipes ("syrinks") | *lilac (Chapter 6, second sentence), pronounced ˈlī-lahk, meaning a popular pinkish-purplish European flower named after the Greek word for pipes ("syrinks") | ||
| + | *spang, pronounced phonetically, is an adverb meaning directly or completely | ||
== Minor criticisms == | == Minor criticisms == | ||
Revision as of 22:42, January 21, 2024
- See also: phonics reading list
Charlotte's Web, by E.B. White, is a classic tale and a superb book for early readers, preferably using a large-print, illustrated edition. The 1997 Barnes & Noble Books edition, illustrated by Garth Williams and published by an arrangement with HarperCollins Children's Books, is superb.
It contains about 32,000 words, and is rated under the Lexile measure at 680L. This book often assigned reading for the the 4th and 5th grades, but a proficient 1st or 2nd grader can work through this book with a patient instructor. At about 800 words a day, this can be completed in 40 days.cr
This classic is in the spirit of Aesop's Fables, with good humor that sparks laughter by young readers.
Vocabulary
- sop (used frequently to refer to food given to the pig), pronounced säp, meaning food soaked or dipped in a liquid
- scythe (Chapter 3), pronounced sithe with a long "i" and a silent "c", meaning a long curved blade attached to long stick as its handle for chopping grass, weeds, or crops
- lilac (Chapter 6, second sentence), pronounced ˈlī-lahk, meaning a popular pinkish-purplish European flower named after the Greek word for pipes ("syrinks")
- spang, pronounced phonetically, is an adverb meaning directly or completely
Minor criticisms
These criticisms are minor, but perhaps worth being aware of:
- this story is written from a girl's point of view, and a boy may find other stories to be more interesting or inspiring
- even after multiple editions, there are a few grammatical errors, such as two early in Chapter V (p. 34 of the large print, illustrated edition): "she sat with [a] head tucked under a wing" and "He examined the window ledge, [and] stared up at the ceiling."
- excessive use of "got" rather than something more descriptive
- the vocabulary is not varied or strong, and repetition is frequent (which can be fine for an early reader)
- a reference to the "Queensborough Bridge," an unfamiliar name for the 59th Street bridge connecting Manhattan to Queens in New York City