Before reading Chapter Six, "The Platinum-Blond Man" in Matilda, readers preview the illustration of Mrs. Wormwood dropping her plate of food, and think about what may have happened to cause the scene. After reading the chapter, class members analyze the tricks Matilda has played on her parents up until the sixth chapter and discuss what they have in common and why they worked. The activity wraps-up with a group role play showing a new trick Matilda can play on her parents.

Concepts

roald dahl, critical thinking, problem solving strategies, problem solving techniques, role playing

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Additional Tags

english language arts

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Instructional Ideas

• Hold a class discussion about the pranks individuals have played on their parents or siblings
• Have groups write scripts for the role play, or instruct them to write an alternate trick ending to the chapter

Classroom Considerations

• Requires a class set of the book Matilda by Roald Dahl
• Ensure pranks for the role play are not evil and remain appropriate for the classroom setting

Pros

• Provides options for independent or group work
• Comes with extension activities
• Allows for critical thinking and problem solving
• Quick and easy to implement

Cons

• None

Common Core

RL.3.3 RL.3.7 RL.4.3 RL.5.3 SL.3.1.a SL.3.1.b SL.4.1.a SL.4.1.b SL.5.1.a SL.5.1.b RL.6.3 RL.7.3 SL.6.1.a SL.7.1.a