Matilda: Matilda's Secret File
on Goodreads (8)
What’s inside...
Matilda, Roald Dahl's popular children's story, has now been turned into a major motion picture, starring Mary Wilson and Danny DeVito. This book contains Matilda's guide to the classics, maths puzzles and mind-boggling brain teasers.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
7-12
Length
64 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think Matilda's secret file could contain and why?
How do you think Matilda feels about having a secret? Have you ever had a secret and how did it make you feel?
If you could give Matilda advice, what would you tell her?
How might keeping a secret affect Matilda's relationships with others?
What do you think is the importance of trust in Matilda’s story?
Tip: Role play these questions
Express genuine curiosity when asking your child these questions, making sure to listen actively to their responses.
Encourage your child to think deeply about the characters’ feelings and relate them to their own experiences.
Discuss the importance of honesty and trust, drawing parallels between the book’s events and real-life situations.
Use follow-up questions to expand the conversation, allowing your child to explore and articulate their thoughts freely.
Praise your child's insights and opinions to boost their confidence and engagement in the discussion.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of honesty
Explanation: Matilda demonstrates honesty by confessing to a mistake she made, which helps resolve a major conflict in the story.
Real-World Application: Children learn the value of being honest in tough situations, which builds trust and integrity in their personal and school life.
Example Lesson: Perseverance in facing challenges
Explanation: Despite facing several obstacles throughout the book, Matilda remains determined and eventually overcomes them.
Real-World Application: This teaches kids the importance of not giving up when facing difficulties, encouraging resilience and determination.
Example Lesson: Value of curiosity and learning
Explanation: Matilda's passion for reading and discovering new information plays a crucial role in her adventures.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to be inquisitive and embrace learning, showing them that knowledge can lead to exciting experiences and personal growth.
Example Lesson: Empathy and understanding others
Explanation: Matilda learns to understand and empathize with other characters who are different from her, leading to friendships and alliances.
Real-World Application: Helps children understand the importance of empathy in fostering relationships and understanding diverse perspectives.