Roald Dahl's Creative Writing with Matilda: How to Write Spellbinding Speech
Roald Dahl'S Creative Writing Series
What’s inside...
This book is a part of a series designed to inspire and guide young writers through the craft of writing. Using the beloved character Matilda, Dahl imparts writing wisdom and tips on how to create captivating dialogue and engaging speech in storytelling.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
7-11
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think makes speech writing special or different from other types of writing?
Can you think of a time when someone’s words really made you think or feel differently?
How would you convince someone to agree with you on an important topic?
What are some qualities of a great speech that you learned from Matilda?
If you were to give a speech to your class, what topic would you choose and why?
Tip: Role play these questions
Begin by discussing familiar speeches from school assemblies or TV. Share your own experiences with powerful speeches to illustrate their impact. Encourage your child to express their thoughts freely, without fear of right or wrong answers. Tie conversations to personal experiences or current events to make the themes more relatable. Praise your child’s ideas to build their confidence in expressing themselves.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The power of words and language
Explanation: Through engaging activities, this book teaches children how to craft impactful speeches using vibrant language.
Real-World Application: Children learn to express themselves clearly and confidently in both written and spoken forms, useful in school presentations and daily interactions.
Example Lesson: Creative thinking
Explanation: By exploring word play and storytelling techniques, kids are encouraged to think creatively and outside the box.
Real-World Application: This skill can help in problem-solving tasks at school and in innovating during playtime or group activities.
Example Lesson: Understanding perspectives
Explanation: Children are prompted to write from different characters' viewpoints, fostering empathy and understanding.
Real-World Application: Learning to consider various perspectives can enhance social interactions and reduce conflicts with peers.
Example Lesson: Importance of revision
Explanation: The workbook emphasizes the process of editing and refining speeches, demonstrating that great writing requires patience and practice.
Real-World Application: This teaches perseverance and attention to detail, valuable in academic settings and personal projects.