1. Where do you think Fern lives? What proof do we have?
Fern likely lives in a rural or farm setting. Proof includes her father planning to kill a pig, her running to the barn, and references to animals like pigs, geese, and cows.
2. Why did Mom call the pig a runt?
Mom called the pig a runt because it was the smallest and weakest of the litter, making it less likely to survive or be useful on the farm.
3. Why did Mom agree with Dad about the pig?
Mom agreed with Dad because she understood the practicalities of farm life — raising a weak animal might not be worth the effort or resources.
4. When Fern ran out to the barn she got her shoes and feet very wet. What would have made the grass wet?
The grass was likely wet from morning dew or recent rain, which is common in rural settings, especially early in the day.
5. How did Fern feel when she realized what her father was going to do?
Fern felt upset, alarmed, and desperate. She rushed to stop her father, showing strong emotional attachment and protective instincts toward the piglet.
6. What methods did Fern use to try to change her dad’s mind about killing the pig?
Fern pleaded with her father, argued that it was unfair to kill the runt, and appealed to his sense of justice and compassion.
7. What reasons did Dad have for planning to kill the pig?
Dad planned to kill the pig because it was a runt — too small and weak to thrive, which meant it would consume resources without contributing to the farm.
8. One word in each of the following sentences is missing a vowel. Put a vowel in each blank to form a word that will make sense in the sentence.
1) weak
2) time
3) handle
4) raising
5) fence
6) smoke
7) white
8) closed
9) put
9. Arrange these words in alphabetical order.
1) called
2) commotion
3) cried
4) exclaimed
5) praised
6) replied
7) screamed
8) shouted
9) suggested
10) yelled
10. Synonyms are words that mean the same. Match the synonyms.
a. large — big
b. perspiration — sweat
c. pitched — yelled
d. immediately — right away
e. commotion — noise
f. injustice — unfairness
g. captivity — imprisonment
h. hullabaloo — commotion
i. absolutely — certainly
j. enchanted — wonderment
11. Match one word from Box A and one from Box B to make a compound word for each blank in the sentences.
1) during the day → daytime
2) fixed a bottle → bottle-fed
3) moved to a box → boxwood
4) under the apple tree → apple tree (no compound needed; “under” is preposition)
5) cut a ___ in the wooden box → cut a hole (not in boxes; implied by context)
6) born in the ___ → born in the spring
7) if Fern went ___ → if Fern went out
8) raised pigs → raised pigs (no compound)
9) Each day in the ___ → Each day in the noon
10) put Wilbur ___ her carriage → put Wilbur in her carriage
Note: Some items in #11 may not form true compound words as listed; adjustments reflect most logical contextual matches based on story content.
Parent Tip: Review the logic above to help your child master the concept of charlottes web worksheet.
