What's included
6 live meetings
4 in-class hoursHomework
1-2 hours per week. Reading the required segments assigned. Please do not read ahead so we are all on the same page in our discussions and we can enjoy the book together as a group. If you do choose to read ahead, please do not share additional information with the class until we get to that part of the book.Assessment
Questions will be asked during each class to be sure children know what happened in our story during the reading the week prior.Class Experience
US Grade 3 - 5
In this three-week teacher-led; 40-minute, twice-a-week course, we will read "Matilda" by Roald Dahl and compare it to the movie, play games, look at the story elements, and answer study questions for reading comprehension. An excerpt from Common Sense Media's website: "Parents need to know that Roald Dahl's Matilda is about a brilliant, magical little girl who's miserable at home with her nasty, clueless parents and oppressed at school by her mean headmistress, Miss Trunchbull. However, Matilda finds a loving, kindred spirit in her teacher, Miss Honey, who values her pupil's amazing brain power. Miss Trunchbull inflicts mental cruelty and physical abuse on the students, including name-calling, tossing children out of windows, locking them in a closet lined with spiky nails, and spinning them around by their hair or ears. These exaggerated acts of malice are part of the fantasy, though, along with Matilda's magical mental tricks."
Learning Goals
Learners will learn about story elements
Learners will gain reading comprehension by answering study questions
Learners will learn new words by keeping a vocabulary journal
Learners will gain an understanding of hyperbole and other literary terms
Syllabus
Curriculum
Follows Teacher-Created Curriculum6 Lessons
over 3 WeeksLesson 1:
NO required reading before the first class
We will go over the reading schedule of this class, learn how to keep a vocabulary journal, and learn a little bit about the author, Roald Dahl. We will talk about the story elements. We will draw a cover for our book based on the summary we read in class.
40 mins online live lesson
1 assignment
Lesson 2:
Have chapters The Reader of Books - The Ghost read before class
We will go over vocabulary words. We will answer reading comprehension study questions. We will determine the protagonist/s of the book. We will draw a character wheel where we will write adjectives and talk about each of the characters in depth. We will talk about some of the books that Matilda has read and if they are appropriate for small children. Would the learners read a book like that?
40 mins online live lesson
Lesson 3:
Have chapters Arithmetic - The Trunchbull read before class
We will go over vocabulary words. We will answer reading comprehension study questions. We will create a Venn diagram and discuss the similarities and differences between Miss Honey and Ms. Trunchbull. We will talk about being "Larger than Life". What does that mean?
40 mins online live lesson
Lesson 4:
Have chapters The Parents - Lavender read before class
We will go over vocabulary words. We will answer reading comprehension study questions. We will talk about limericks and write one in class about a familiar thing in their lives. We will talk about the settings of the story.
40 mins online live lesson
Other Details
Parental Guidance
Common Sense Media's website states "There's a lot of name-calling directed from adults to kids, or between adults, including "stupid," "glob of glue," "ignorant little twit," "gangster," "useless bunch of midgets," and more."
"Miss Trunchbull throws children out of windows, picks them up and swings them around by their hair or ears, and locks a child in a tiny room with spikes protruding from the walls. She also has pushed a young girl's head underwater as punishment. Though no one is really injured in this fantastical novel and written in a cartoonish way, some sensitive youngsters may be upset by the Trunchbull's cruelty."
Supply List
The book "Matilda" by Roald Dahl Paper and something to write with such as colored pencils, pens, markers or just a pencil. A notebook to keep a vocabulary journal
External Resources
Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.
Teacher expertise and credentials
Associate's Degree in Education from College of DuPage
Hello, I am Ms. Pamela!
If this is your first class on Outschool, ✨Use code MSPAME20 to save $20 on this class!✨
A Bit About Me:
I am passionate about learning and have been privileged to engage with over 900 learners from 25 countries since teaching my first class on Outschool in 2020. My classes span a range of ages and subjects, with a focus on full curriculum semester classes for preschool through third grade. I offer many craft classes, often by request, and I am always up for teaching a book club as I am an avid reader. I am always working on more too!
My Background:
With 35+ years of teaching experience, I've held various roles, including Montessori teacher, private early elementary teacher, center director, preschool owner, homeschool co-op leader, and private tutor in math, writing, and early reading skills. In my previous position, I taught the Handwriting Without Tears curriculum and I have incorporated many of the basic ideas into my personalized curriculum.
We homeschooled our daughter from preschool to eighth grade. I have run a homeschool co-op, a preschool program, an early learning center, and scouting groups. I have an educational background in Early Childhood Education and American Sign Language.
My Teaching Style:
I believe that learning needs to be fun, and listening is just as important as talking and teaching. I am not one to mute a learner unless necessary but will encourage raising hands and taking turns during our games and discussions for all ages. I prioritize active participation and mutual respect.
Something Fun:
Crafting is a lifelong passion of mine, encompassing quilting, sewing, crocheting, knitting, painting, and jewelry making. I'm delighted to share my expertise through crafting classes on Outschool, and I'm always open to requests for new or existing classes.
Communication:
I strive to be responsive to emails, typically replying within a day. My teaching hours are from 8 am to 6 pm CST, during which I also attend to administrative tasks.
Missed Classes, Cancellations, Refunds:
I pride myself on being punctual and ready for class. We do live in Tornado Alley and take storms seriously since being hit by a tornado last March 2023. I try to warn ahead of time if possible. I will reimburse you for technical issues on my side or offer a single transfer for one-time classes if needed. I will teach only one or two students. Some of my best classes have happened with only one or two learners. It can make for great in-depth discussions!
I cannot wait to meet your child.
Reviews
Live Group Course
$20
weekly or $60 for 6 classes2x per week, 3 weeks
40 min
Completed by 12 learners
Live video meetings
Ages: 8-11
1-6 learners per class