There are so many life lessons from E.B. White and his life that are great to teach our kids. Like so many others, I have adored the stories of this beloved author ever since I was a child. The stories of Charlotte’s Web, Stuart Little, and The Trumpet of the Swan, are stories that resonates with many of us from our own childhoods. But beyond his amazing and timeless stories, E.B. White’s life offers valuable lessons that can inspire and guide both us and our students. If you are reading one of E.B. White’s books in your classroom this year, let me encourage you to take advantage of the opportunity to also share the wisdom and character of a man who lived a life filled with curiosity, creativity, and kindness. Here are five lessons that I like to teach my students from the life of E.B. White.

The Power of Imagination

E.B. White’s stories lend themselves to well to teaching kids about the power of imagination. From a tiny mouse navigating the big world in Stuart Little to a talking spider weaving messages in her web in Charlotte’s Web, White’s ability to create enchanting worlds has captivated readers for generations. From his life, your students will see that imagination is a powerful tool that can bring joy, solve problems, and create connections between people and the world around them. As you read one of E.B. White’s books, encourage your students to embrace their imagination, to think creatively and to approach challenges with an open mind.

The Importance of Compassion and Empathy

The book Charlotte’s Web, is filled with themes of compassion and empathy. E.B. White’s deep love for animals and nature is so clear in the way he portrayed his characters, giving them human-like emotions and concerns. When studying his life and writings, make sure your kids can see the importance of understanding and caring for others, whether they are people or animals. White’s ability to see the world through different perspectives is a great example to us all of how empathy can make the world a better place.

The Value of Perseverance

E.B. White’s journey to becoming a successful writer wasn’t without its challenges. He faced rejection and criticism, but he never gave up on his passion for writing. His perseverance sets such a good example for our students and shows them that success often requires persistence and the willingness to keep going, even when things are tough. This lesson is particularly valuable for students who may struggle with their own personal or academic challenges. White’s life shows that perseverance can lead to great achievements. Don’t let the opportunity slip by to highlight this for your kids.

The Joy of Simple Pleasures

I’m not going to lie, this is a lesson I need to constantly come back to myself. Throughout E.B. White’s life, he cherished the simple pleasures—writing in his Maine farmhouse, spending time with his animals, and enjoying the natural world around him. He found contentment in the small, everyday moments and this was a theme that appeared often in his books. This is such a great reminder to both us and our students to appreciate the simple things in life. White reminds us all can we can find happiness and fulfillment without always seeking bigger or more extravagant experiences.

The Impact of Words

E.B. White was a master of using words to communicate ideas and emotions. Through his writing has left a lasting legacy. Whether he was writing for children or adults, his words had the power to move, inspire, and teach. As you study his life, take time to talk to your students about the importance of choosing their words carefully and understanding the impact their words can have on others. E.B. White’s life is a wonderful example of how language can be used to express ideas, share stories, and make a difference in the world.

The life lessons from E.B. White and his books are still so relevant today for us and our students. When you and your students read the stories of this remarkable author, you’re not just sharing his stories, but also the values and wisdom that shaped his work. I would highly encourage you to incorporate discussions of some of the lessons above as you read the works of E.B. White with your students. If you’re looking for a way to dive deeper into the life and legacy of E.B. White, I highly recommend our E.B. White Mini Biography Unit. This resource includes simple reading passages, graphic organizers, posters, and more. It is great for using alongside one of White’s beloved books or as a stand-alone study of this amazing man.