Charlotte’s Web is one of my all-time favorite books from my childhood. E.B. White’s work is very special to me, and is in fact, my chief inspiration for becoming an essayist in my adulthood. So, when researching keywords for my new ongoing series for writing inspiration, I was pleasantly surprised to see that there’s significant interest in creative writing prompts for Charlotte’s Web.
Of course, I recognize that writing prompts for Charlotte’s Web are aimed mostly at students who are currently reading the classic book for a reading assignment. But, as I absolutely adore the barnyard world created in the book, I’m sure I’m not the only adult who will take great joy in revisiting a cherished piece of childhood through exploring one or more of these prompts.
In this article, I’ve compiled 40 writing prompts that are useful for students who have the book fresh in their minds, but can be used by fiction writers of all ages to spark some new ideas by revisiting classic themes and characters from E.B. White’s children’s novel.
Writing Activities and Ideas for Charlotte’s Web
- Write a letter from Wilbur to Charlotte expressing his gratitude for her friendship and support.
- Imagine you are Templeton, the rat. Write a diary entry describing your experiences and thoughts throughout the story.
- Rewrite the ending of the book, where Charlotte doesn’t die. How does the story unfold from there?
- Create a conversation between Fern and Charlotte, discussing their perspectives on the importance of friendship and compassion.
- Write a newspaper article reporting on the events at the Zuckerman’s barn, highlighting Wilbur’s miraculous transformation.
- Imagine you are Charlotte. Write a series of letters to her spiderlings, advising them on life and survival.
- Explore the theme of sacrifice in the book. Write a short story about another character in the story who must make a difficult sacrifice for the greater good.
- Write a dialogue between Wilbur and the geese, as they discuss the concept of freedom and their differing perspectives on life.
- Describe a day in the life of the animals at the Zuckerman’s barn after Charlotte’s web has become famous.
- Write a persuasive essay arguing why you think Charlotte’s web should be considered a classic piece of children’s literature.
- Create a character profile for Charlotte, describing her physical appearance, personality traits, and motivations. You can do the same for any other character in the story, too.
- Write a poem inspired by the friendship between Wilbur and Charlotte, capturing the emotions and bond they share.
- Imagine you are one of the spiderlings who inherits Charlotte’s web. Write a journal entry expressing your thoughts and fears as you take on this responsibility.
- Write a conversation between Templeton and Wilbur, discussing their contrasting views on the importance of appearances.
- Describe a scene where the animals work together to solve a problem or achieve a common goal.
- Rewrite a chapter from the perspective of another animal on the farm, such as the sheep or the horse.
- Write an alternate ending where Wilbur leaves the Zuckerman’s farm to start a new life in the wild. How does this change the dynamics between the characters?
- Imagine you are Mr. or Mrs. Zuckerman. Write a memoir about Wilbur, expressing your appreciation for him and the impact he has had on your life.
- Write a descriptive paragraph about the sights, sounds, and smells of the county fair where Wilbur is showcased.
- Imagine you are Fern. Write a reflection piece on how her experiences with Wilbur and Charlotte have shaped her understanding of friendship and empathy.
- Write a dialogue between Charlotte and the other barn animals, discussing the power of words and the impact they can have on others.
- Describe a moment where Wilbur demonstrates bravery or resilience in the face of adversity.
- Rewrite a chapter from the perspective of one of the humans in the story, such as Fern’s parents or Mr. Zuckerman.
- Create a character profile for Templeton, exploring his motivations, quirks, and his role in the overall narrative.
- Write a letter from Charlotte to the humans, thanking them for their kindness and reflecting on the lessons they have learned from her.
- Imagine you are Fern’s brother, Avery. Write a journal entry expressing your thoughts and feelings about the animals in the barn.
- Write a persuasive speech that Wilbur gives to the other farm animals, inspiring them to take action and support each other.
- Describe a scene where Wilbur and Charlotte encounter a new animal friend outside the barn, and the lessons they learn from this encounter.
- Write a chapter where the animals come together to organize a surprise birthday party for Wilbur, celebrating his uniqueness and worth.
- Imagine you are Charlotte’s cousin, who lives in a different barn. Write a letter to Charlotte, sharing your own adventures and asking for updates on her life.
- Write a monologue from the perspective of the farmer, Mr. Zuckerman, reflecting on the impact Wilbur and Charlotte have had on his farm and his own personal growth.
- Create a dialogue between Wilbur and a newborn piglet, as Wilbur imparts wisdom and advice on navigating life in the barn.
- Rewrite a chapter from the perspective of the barn itself, personifying it and describing its thoughts and observations on the animals’ interactions.
- Write a short story set in the future, where one of Charlotte’s spiderlings embarks on a journey to fulfill their own destiny, inspired by their mother’s legacy.
- Imagine you are a visitor to the Zuckerman’s farm. Write a journal entry describing your impressions of Wilbur, Charlotte, and the other animals, and the impact they have on you.
- Write a dialogue between Charlotte and a wise old owl, as they discuss the mysteries of life, death, and the beauty of nature.
- Create a character profile for the gander, describing his personality, role in the story, and his interactions with the other animals.
- Write a chapter where Wilbur and Charlotte venture outside the farm, exploring the wonders and dangers of the surrounding woods.
- Imagine you are the narrator of the story. Write a reflection piece on the timeless lessons and themes present in “Charlotte’s Web” and its significance for readers of all ages
- Write a memoir by Fern about Charlotte, years later, reminiscing about their childhood friendship and expressing how the lessons learned from Charlotte and the barn animals continue to influence her life.
Let me know which of these prompts inspired you most! If you have any suggestions to add to this list of Charlotte’s Web writing prompts, please comment.
