Matilda

By: Roald Dahl and Illustrated By: Quentin Blake

Lexile Reading: 840L
Suggested Delivery: Read Aloud

Dahl, R., & Blake, Q. (1988). Matilda. New York: Viking Kestrel.

Powers, being different, Doing what is right, justice, friendship, love

Summary: Matilda is a magical bright young girl who is very misunderstood in her family. Matilda loves to learn and read unlike her family members who are in love with making as much money as possible and watching the television for many hours. Matilda life changes when she goes to school. At school she meets Miss Honey who supports Matilda and loves for who she is. She also meets the strong and mean head mistress of the school, Miss Trunchbull, who needs to be taught a lesson. 

Electronic Resources:

Matilda Quiz

This is an online quiz, which focuses on key points from the book. This can be used after the students read the book, to test how well their comprehended the book.

Wordle

Students will create a word cloud. The class will create a wordle describing Miss Trunchbull. Students can add how she treated the kids and Miss Honey. The students can also make a wordle on Miss Honey describing her personality and what she has been through.

Key Vocabulary:

This vocabulary should be taught before reading the book.

Glorious                                                      

Old-Day

Cloakroom

Devising

Blaring

Imitation

Devouring

Arithmetic

Subtle

Reading Strategies:

Students will create a word wall off of the vocabulary words on the list. Students will put the definition, synonym on the card, with how it is use. The students will also write a sentence using the word. Students will do this before they read this book.

After the students read the book, they will have a popcorn review discussion. The discussion will be directed with a set of discussion questions.

 Discussion Questions used in the popcorn discussion:

Why does Matilda put super glue in her Father’s hat and die his hair blonde?

Why is Matilda misunderstood in her family?

Why is Matilda a genius?

Do you think it is good or bad that Miss Trunchbull is feared by all? Why?

If you could be any character in this book, who would you be? Why?

How does Miss Honey influence Matilda to be a better person?

Writing Activity that demonstrates Inferential Comprehension:

 Students will write a four paragraph essay on how would you feel is you were in Matilda's place, living in the Wormwood household?