Matilda Lesson Plan

Roald Dahl's Language

Kind of Activity:

Creative Writing

Objective:

Students will analyze the way that Dahl uses words creatively and invent a word of their own

Common Core Standards:

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.5.4; CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.5.3

Structure:

First, have a brief discussion about style with the students. What does it mean for a writer to have a style? How might they describe Dahl's style? Could they read something else and tell whether Dahl was the author? What would tip them off?

Explain that part of Dahl's reputation for writing good children's books was his tendency to invent words. His language is sometimes known as "Gobblefunk," which comes from his novel The BFG....