Core Skills Analysis
Language Arts
The student watched the old movie version of Matilda, which exposed them to a story built from character development, dialogue, and plot structure. They followed Matilda as a main character and could notice how the film showed her feelings, problems, and choices through spoken lines and actions. Watching a movie adaptation also helped them practice understanding how stories are told differently on screen than in a book, including how setting, tone, and visual details communicate meaning. As a 9-year-old, they likely learned to pay attention to characters, sequence of events, and the message that bravery and intelligence can help someone overcome unfair treatment.
Social-Emotional Learning
By watching Matilda, the student experienced a story centered on fairness, resilience, and standing up for oneself. They saw a young character facing difficult adults and situations, which can help a 9-year-old recognize emotions such as frustration, fear, courage, and hope. The film may have encouraged them to think about how kindness and confidence can help people handle problems, even when others are unkind. This kind of viewing experience can support empathy by helping the student imagine how a child in Matilda’s position might feel and why support from others matters.
Tips
To extend learning, invite the student to compare the movie version of Matilda with a picture book, chapter summary, or short excerpt from the original novel to notice what changed and what stayed the same. They could draw a movie scene and write a few sentences describing the character’s feelings and actions, which strengthens comprehension and sequencing. Another idea is to discuss fair and unfair choices made by different characters, then sort them into a simple T-chart to build reasoning and social understanding. You could also ask the student to imagine a new ending or alternate scene and write it as a short story, helping them practice creative writing and story structure.
Book Recommendations
- Matilda by Roald Dahl: The original novel that inspired the movie, filled with imaginative language, strong character development, and themes of courage and fairness.
- Charlie and the Chocolate Factory by Roald Dahl: A classic story with vivid characters and imaginative events that connects well to Roald Dahl’s style and humor.
- The BFG by Roald Dahl: Another well-known Roald Dahl book that offers playful language, memorable characters, and adventurous storytelling.
Learning Standards
- CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.4.1: The student practiced referring to details in a story to explain characters and events.
- CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.4.2: The student identified themes such as fairness, courage, and resilience.
- CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.4.3: The student observed how characters respond to challenges and how those responses move the story forward.
- CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.4.7: The student compared how a story is presented in film form, using visual and spoken elements to convey meaning.
- CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.4.1: The student can discuss the movie with others, build on ideas, and explain opinions clearly.
Try This Next
- Write 3 questions about Matilda’s choices and answer them in complete sentences.
- Draw a favorite scene from the movie and label the characters’ emotions.
- Make a simple beginning-middle-end timeline of the story.
- Create a T-chart of fair vs. unfair actions shown in the film.