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This Matilda - The Weekly Test lesson plan also includes:
Readers take the main characters in Matilda and individually describe them through a mnemonic. To get there, group members create an acrostic poem describing the character they were given, and choose one of the words from the acrostic that best describes that character. Then, they come up with a catchy and creative mnemonic of the chosen word.
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CCSS:
Adaptable
Concepts
Additional Tags
Instructional Ideas
- After divvying the class into equal groups, have each group draw one of the following characters out of a hat: Matilda, Miss Honey, Miss Trenchbull, Mr. and Mrs. Wormwood, Lavender, and Bruce (add more/take away characters given the number of groups)
- Be sure the class understands to choose a long word to create their final character mnemonic
- Invite pupils to create and use mnemonics across subjects such as the order of the planets "My Very Earnest Mother Just Served Us Nachos"; order of operations "Please Excuse My Dear Aunt Sally"; and cardinal directions "Never Eat Soggy Waffles"—model these as examples when introducing the activity
Classroom Considerations
- Write the Trunchbull insults on index cards prior to begin the lesson
- Some insults from the list may not be appropriate for your class; choose wisely and ensure insults are not directed at classmates
- Be sure to connect and point out the differences in mnemonic devices and acrostic poems as the activity shifts
- Provide thesauri for readers
Pros
- Activity executes clear expectations
- Expands on the ability to describe characters
- Adaptable in many ways and fun for all
Cons
- None