Reasons for selection and synopsis
Matilda’s parents have called her some terrible things, but the truth is she’s a genius and they’re the stupid ones. Underestimating
Matilda proves to be a big mistake as they, along with her spiteful headmistress, Miss Trunchbull, soon find out when Matilda
discovers she has a very special power.

Before reading…
Ask the children to look at the front cover. What do you think the book will be about? What things can you see on the front cover?
What sort of story will it be? Who might enjoy it?Now read the blurb – were any of your predictions correct?
What does it mean when something is infinite? Would you enjoy infinite lives?

The Reader Of Books

Vocabulary 

Why do you think Dahl uses the word blister to describe some children? What does he mean by this?
Define adoration.
How would a nimble mind work?
Define hankering.

Infer 

How can you tell the Wormwoods don’t care for Matilda?
Why won’t Mr Wormwood buy Matilda a book?
Why would Mrs Phelps have been taken aback by Matilda?
Why does Mrs Phelps keep asking Matilda about pictures?
Why does Matilda start going to the library less?

Predict 

Predict what else might happen to Matilda in this story.

Explain 

What is Dahl trying to say in the first three paragraphs?
How does Dahl make it funny?

Retrieve 

Who does Dahl say bears the most brunt of parental adoration?
What are Matilda’s parents called?
Where did Matilda go for books?
What book does Mrs Phelps give to Matilda?
How does Matilda make hot chocolate?

Summarise 

Choose one word to describe Matilda and explain your choice.
Do the same for Mrs Phelps.

Mr Wormwood, The Great Car Dealer

Vocabulary 

What is a car dealer?
Define dishonest.
What do you think jug might be?
Define ‘resented’. What synonyms can you think of for this word?

Infer 

How much money do you think the Wormwoods have? What
makes you think this?
How can you tell Mr Wormwood likes Mike more than Matilda?
Why do red spots appear on Mr Wormwood’s cheeks?

Predict

Predict what Matilda will do to her father?

Explain 

How does the author side you against Mr Wormwood?

Retrieve 

What is Mr Wormwood’s job?
What does Mr Wormwood use sawdust for?
Why won’t Mr Wormwood let Matilda eat her dinner in the dining room?

Summarise 

Summarise the character of Mr Wormwood in one word and explain your choice of word.

The Hat and the Superglue

Vocabulary

Why do you think Matilda describes the garage as beastly?
Define ‘spluttered’.
Infer Why did Matilda have to time putting the glue on perfectly?
Why do you think Mr Wormwood stayed very silent?

Predict 

Predict what might happen based on the title of this chapter.
Predict what else Matilda might do to her family.

Explain 

Do you feel sorry for Mr Wormwood in this chapter? Why?

Retrieve 

Why did Matilda need to stand on her toes?
Why did Mr Wormwood keep the hat on all day?
What was the worst thing about a hat glued permanently to your
head?

Summarise 

Summarise the events of this chapter in less than thirty words.

The Ghost

Vocabulary 

Define ‘comparative calm’.
Define ‘chastened’.
What does subtle mean?

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