Use coupon code MORRELLMATILDA5 for $5 off.

The power to read, remember long mathematical equations, and move things with your mind? That's how to describe Matilda, a kindergartner in the novel by Roald Dahl, Matilda. Roald Dahl is one of my favorite childhood authors and I own almost all of his books. I have loved reading through all of them with my own two elementary-aged children and I am excited to share that wondrous world with your children!

Over four weeks, we will read and study the novel Matilda. We will check for comprehension, discuss some book club questions, analyze the characters and themes of the novel, then either complete an activity or writing prompt that connects to the story. As a certified literature teacher, I will not only have the students discuss the book, like a book club, but I will be teaching about literary analysis as well. We will discuss character growth, figurative language, themes and motifs, the use of songs and poems within the novels, plot development, and much more. 

Roald Dahl's books can easily be found at local libraries, or can easily be found at any local bookstore. Students will be required to read the books before coming to class. Students should be able to read and have at least a 2nd or 3rd grade reading level. ***We will NOT be reading the books during class.***

Week 1: Chapters 1-6
Week 2: Chapters 7-10
Week 3: Chapters 11-15
Week 4: finish the novel

Each week, prior to class, I will post on the classroom page not only the reading assignment, but what we will be doing in class each week to give families a  heads up if they need to gather supplies.

I love student participation, but I understand some students don't love participating as much. That is fine with me - I don't require students to talk and discuss if they aren't comfortable doing so. If your student just wants to come to listen to the discussion and do the activity, that is wonderful. I tend to have a pretty lax policy with Zoom microphones, but I do prefer that students keep their cameras on during class. 

Students do not need any prior knowledge or experience for this class. We will be utilizing NearPod - students do *not* need an account to use NearPod, they will join with a code that I will share. At the end of the novel, I will also show a preview for a movie version of each book. Watching the movie is *not* part of the class nor a homework requirement. But, it can be a fun activity after reading the book.