The Very Busy Spider is part of our Starts With a Story Collection, which includes more than 550 picture book companions based on high quality children’s literature that support you in delivering highly-engaging interactive read alouds with follow up activities. Learn more about this children’s book below! - Jodi and the Starts With a Story Team


 

SUMMARY

"The Very Busy Spider" by Eric Carle is a delightful children's book that follows the journey of a determined spider as she weaves her web. Throughout the story, the spider encounters various farm animals, each inviting her to join in their activities. However, the spider remains focused on her task, diligently spinning her web despite the distractions. Carle's signature collage illustrations bring the story to life, captivating young readers as they watch the spider's web take shape page by page. The book not only entertains but also introduces children to different farm animals and their sounds. With its repetitive text and interactive elements, "The Very Busy Spider" engages young readers while teaching the importance of perseverance and staying committed to one's goals.

 USE THIS BOOK TO TEACH:

Our read aloud lesson plans for this picture book come with reading comprehension questions (with sample student responses), 30 writing prompts, teaching ideas for grammar skills, social emotional learning discussion ideas, and more. Check out our list below to get a sneak peek at some of the skills this resource teaches.

  1. Analyze the illustrations in the story. Discuss how they provide meaning that the words might not.
  2. Have students sequence the important events in the story. This is an important skill when it comes to retelling a story.
  3. Read the book to students without showing the pictures. Encourage them to close their eyes and visualize the story. Discuss their visualization as a class.
  4. Teach a lesson on verb tense and have students categorize examples from the book.
  5. Teach students a new suffix and give examples from the book.
  6. Lead a class discussion on goal setting.
  7. Discuss patience with students and share strategies they can use to be more patient.
GET THE PRINTABLE ACTIVITIES

NO-PREP PRINTABLE ACTIVITIES:

If you are looking for “ready to go” activities for the first day of school, be sure to check out the book companion. With it you’ll receive all of the following resources to align with this specific book:

  • comprehension questions
  • 30 writing prompts with themed paper
  • vocabulary activities
  • word study print & go activities
  • ideas for grammar lessons with focus sentence printables
  • social emotional learning discussion topics
  • graphic organizers to target specific comprehension skills and strategies

This book is a must have for your school or classroom library. Your students are going to love completing these activities for the book and you will be impressed with how much they learn. You will want to read this book to your class every year.

GET THE PRINTABLE ACTIVITIES

ADDITIONAL BOOK SUGGESTIONS

You and your students will love the similar books listed below, which can all be found in our free picture book list.

SEE MORE RECOMMENDED BOOKS

TRY OUT A SAMPLE COMPANION

It's hard to explain how amazing the Starts with a Story book companions are because there is just so much goodness included in each one.  It's best if you experience using one for yourself. Sign up below & we'll send you an entire book companion to try out for FREE!

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