Read the book thoroughly and take notes with your child, if possible. Talk about Wilbur's personality and what you can learn from his approach to problem-solving. Reading and discussing the book makes for better reading comprehension for a more in-depth project. Choose a few things to highlight concerning Wilbur and his battle for life, such as his will to live, his friends and his actions.
Discuss Wilbur's character traits in correlation to the other characters in the book. Contrast the difference between Wilbur and Charlotte, or the difference between Wilbur and Templeton. Consider the story from different characters' points of view and discuss how they felt about Wilbur possibly being eaten once the winter arrived.
Create newspaper stories for the things that happen in "Charlotte's Web." Draw pictures and write the stories down as they appear in a book. This gives you and your child the chance to examine Wilbur in a new angle; not as a talking pig, but a news item made by humans. Each time Charlotte creates a word in her web or Wilbur is featured in some way, create another newspaper story for an entire collection.
Imagine a new ending for the story. At the end of "Charlotte's Web," Charlotte creates an egg sac just before dying. Her babies hatch, and three elect to stay with Wilbur as he grows old. Ask your child what he might do to change this ending and to write a new one on paper. Perhaps Wilbur doesn't win the special prize at the state fair, or Charlotte doesn't die but stays with Wilbur. Explore how a new ending would change the tale.
Make a model of Wilbur from paper mache, paper plates, paint and other materials. Along with the character sketches, newspaper articles and a new ending, the model of Wilbur becomes the visual portion of the project.
Mix together a cup each of flour and water. Then, put 4 cups of water on to boil. Once the water reaches boiling point, remove the water and pour it into the flour and water mixture. Mix well to create a thin paste consistency.
Blow up a regular balloon to a moderate size. Don't make the balloon too large, as it could pop more easily during construction. Instead, strive for a rounded shape. Then, tear the newspaper into even strips. Dip one of the strips into the paste mixture, then place it on the balloon. Smooth out any air bubbles or wrinkles.
Continue spreading moistened newspaper strips over the balloon until it is completely covered; only leave a small, half-inch opening at one of the ends of the model, preferably where the balloon has been tied. Allow the balloon to dry completely, then repeat the process. Allow it to dry once more and complete the process once more so your balloon has three layers of newspaper.
Allow the balloon to dry one last time, then use a pin to pop the balloon through the small hole you've left. Extract the popped balloon.
Cut five sections from a cardboard egg carton. Use tape or glue to attach four of the sections around the bottom of the model as legs, then place one in the center of one of the ends for a snout. Paint the model in pink or beige paint, then wait for the paint to dry. While you wait, insert a pipe cleaner into the space you used to pop the balloon. Curl the pipe cleaner like a tail and fasten with tape or glue, if necessary.
Draw or paint facial features onto the model using a black permanent marker or black paint. Cut ears from construction paper and attach them to the top of the model with glue or tape. Once finished, present your model with the rest of your "Charlotte's Web" project.