Walter's Wonderful Web
What’s inside...
A determined little spider named Walter is trying to make a sturdy web that will stand up to the blustery wind. The webs he makes at first are woven in special shapes--a triangle, a square, a circle--but they are still wibbly-wobbly. Can Walter make a web that is both wonderful and strong? This simple, vibrant adventure is a lively companion to our two previous Hopgood 'first books' about colors and the senses.
Age
2-6
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Walter
Discussion points
What do you think Walter learned after trying to make many different kinds of webs?
Can you describe the shapes and colors Walter used in his web? Which one was your favorite and why?
How do you think Walter felt when his web kept breaking, and what would you do if you were Walter?
What does this story teach us about trying again even if something does not work at first?
How did Walter use the things he learned from his earlier attempts to create his final web?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to reflect on the persistence Walter shows by asking them about a time they kept trying even though something was difficult.
Discuss the different shapes introduced in the story and enhance learning by pointing them out around the house or during a walk.
Use expressive reading to highlight the excitement or disappointment of Walter throughout the story, this helps children grasp the emotional context.
After reading, involve your child in an arts and crafts activity to create their own colorful web using paper, colors, and yarn which reinforces the learning and makes the reading experience interactive.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Perseverance
Explanation: Walter repeatedly attempts to create the perfect web. Despite facing setbacks, he continues trying until he succeeds.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of trying again despite failures, helping them develop resilience in learning new skills or facing challenges.
Example Lesson: Problem Solving
Explanation: Walter experiments with different shapes to build his web, demonstrating a problem-solving approach when his initial attempts do not succeed.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to think creatively and explore multiple solutions to problems they encounter, whether in their play or homework.
Example Lesson: Learning from Mistakes
Explanation: Each of Walter’s failed webs teaches him something new, allowing him to improve on the next one.
Real-World Application: Children learn the value of learning from errors, understanding that mistakes are stepping stones to success.
Example Lesson: Appreciation of Nature and Shapes
Explanation: The story integrates the beauty of nature’s designs and introduces children to different shapes.
Real-World Application: Helps children observe and appreciate natural patterns and geometric shapes around them, enhancing their observational and cognitive skills.
Example Lesson: Patience
Explanation: Building the perfect web took time and patience, reflecting the need to wait and persevere through tasks.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the virtue of patience when engaging in activities or with others, fostering better social interactions and learning experiences.