This free teaching resource for Matilda by Roald Dahl is designed for KS2 (Years 3–6) and lower KS3 (Year 7). All activities are classroom-ready and can be used alongside the novel. Print any page using Ctrl+P (Cmd+P on Mac).
One pupil sits in the ‘hot seat’ as a character from the novel (Matilda, Miss Honey, Mr Wormwood, Miss Trunchbull). The rest of the class asks them questions about their actions and feelings. The pupil in the hot seat must answer in character.
Matilda stays with Miss Honey — but what if she had gone with her family? Ask pupils to write an alternative ending of 1–2 paragraphs, keeping Matilda’s character consistent.
Give pupils six key words from the novel (e.g. prodigy, formidable, telekinesis, malevolent, astute, retribution). Ask them to: (1) write their own definition without looking, (2) look up the real definition and compare, (3) write a sentence of their own using the word correctly.
Ask pupils to write a letter from Matilda to her parents explaining why she has decided to stay with Miss Honey. The letter should be written in Matilda’s voice — intelligent, fair and without self-pity.
Create a comparison chart with three columns: Miss Honey, Miss Trunchbull, and Mr or Mrs Wormwood. In each column, note their attitude to children, how they use their power, what they care about and what happens to them by the end. What pattern does Dahl create?
Split the class into two groups. One argues that Matilda is justified in her pranks; the other argues she should find another way. Each group has five minutes to prepare three arguments before the debate begins.