10 Fun Book-Themed Activities for Matilda
By Lily | Published 1 August 2022 | Goodreads Rating 4.33 | This post may contain affiliate links.
We’ve curated a list of fun reading games & activities inspired by Matilda. Be sure to try some (or all!) of these ideas while creating special memories for your family!
These book-themed activities are a fun and interactive way to engage kids and help them develop a love for reading. They will learn about the story's important themes and characters while having fun with their family. Matilda is a classic tale that teaches young people about the power of imagination, the importance of education, and standing up for what is right.
Continue the reading fun with these family-friendly activities inspired by Matilda! If you or your child need a refresher on the book, visit the book summary for Matilda!
“Sometimes Matilda longed for a friend, someone like the kind, courageous people in her books.”
10 Fun Activities to Extend the Reading Fun of Matilda
Activity 1: Bake a chocolate cake in honor of Bruce Bogtrotter.
Bruce Bogtrotter just couldn’t resist when he saw the chocolate cake. With this delicious (and simple to make!) chocolate cake recipe by Hershey, you will find it hard to resist also! I’ve tried many recipes over the year and this Hershey’s recipe is the one I keep going back to.
Until I stumbled upon The Stay at Home Chef who swears by this recipe! She even calls this her Matilda Cake because she swear it’s just as good as the cake that Bruce Bogtrotter ate in Matilda. Moist, chocolaty perfection. This is the chocolate cake you’ve been dreaming of!
Activity 2: Learn about the Hammer Throw.
n the book, Ms. Trunchbull is the headmistress of the school that Matilda attends. We learn of Ms. Trunchbull’s connection to the hammer throw which comes from her past as an Olympian champion hammer thrower, and is why she often uses her skills in this sport to terrorize the students. Like the time she picks up and throws Amanda by her pigtails, just like how she would throw a hammer.
Later in the book, Matilda uses Ms. Trunchbull's own hammer throwing skills against her by rigging a chalk to fly like a hammer and knocking over a glass of water, making Ms. Trunchbull believe that there is a ghost in the room. This prank scares Ms. Trunchbull so much that she leaves the school for good.
In this video from The Try Guys, Keith and Eugene explore the sport and its history. Facts like how the hammer throw is over 2,000 years old and continues to be a long-time favorite sport at the Olympics!
Activity 3: Visit your local library.
Take a trip to your local library and encourage your child to explore different books and genres, just like Matilda. Encourage them to find and borrow books on any topic they're interested in, from adventure stories to science experiments and everything in between! They can also participate in fun activities like storytimes, craft sessions, and book clubs, which can help them meet new friends and learn new things.
Additionally, many libraries offer access to computers and other technology, which can be used for research, learning, and entertainment. Finally, visiting the library is a chance to explore and discover new things in a safe and welcoming environment, where they can feel supported and encouraged to learn and grow. The library is so full of adventure!
Activity 4: Organize a reading marathon.
Set aside a day for a family reading marathon where everyone reads Matilda for a set amount of time. This is a great way to reinforce reading skills and spend quality time together as a family. After visiting the library is a perfect time to organize a reading marathon!
Activity 5: Write a letter to your favorite teacher.
We all have a Miss Honey in our lives who we adored in school! Have your child write a letter to him/her to tell them why they were such an awesome teacher! Trust me, you will rock his/her world! Teachers are always underpaid and under appreciated, so this is one simple but powerful way to affirm them and their choice of vocation!
Activity 6: Organize a Matilda movie weekend marathon!
There have been two movie adaptations of Roald Dahl’s classic children’s book “Matilda”! Schedule both movies for your family over a weekend, and see which version the adults and kids in your household prefer!
The first movie adaptation was released in 1996 and directed by Danny DeVito, who also played the role of Matilda's father. The film starred Mara Wilson as Matilda. The movie follows the basic plot of the book and was well-received by critics and audiences and is today considered a classic family film.
The second adaptation was a musical film released in 2020 by Netflix. This version starred newcomer Alisha Weir as Matilda, and also featured Emma Thompson as Ms. Trunchbull. Like the first adaptation, the movie follows the basic plot of the book, but also includes several original songs and dance numbers. The movie received mixed reviews from critics, with some praising the performances and music while others felt it didn't quite capture the magic of the book.
Overall, both movie adaptations have their own unique interpretations of the story, and both are worth watching for fans of the book.
Activity 7: Watch the Broadway musical version of Matilda also!
Matilda The Musical is the multi award-winning musical from the Royal Shakespeare Company inspired by the beloved book by the incomparable Roald Dahl. However, the stars really have to be aligned if you are one of the lucky ones to have a production in your city. To get a glimpse into Matilda the Musical, the cast from London’s West End treated the audience from Britain’s Got Talent to an energetic performance taken from their hit show!
Roald Dahl’s official website has a comprehensive lesson plan that incorporates science, math, geography and many other fun learning objectives from the reading of Matilda!
Teaching Ideas is a treasure trove of free classroom activity ideas and resources used by educators and parents all around the world. Check out their material for Matilda!
This free book study of Matilda by Reading Quests is a fun way for your child to slow down and to read for comprehension … and (hopefully) NOT come across as homework!
Activity 8: Get free reading resources to build reading comprehension!
Matilda possesses magical powers which play a central part of the story. She uses them to overcome obstacles and stand up to the unfairness and cruelty of the adults around her. Some of the magical activities include moving objects with her mind which she uses to play pranks on her parents and Miss Trunchbull. She discovers this power when she is angry with her father and makes a glass of water tip over without touching it.
She also uses her powers to help her friends, particularly her classmate Lavender, when she was being bullied by Miss Trunchbull. in this video by What’s Up Moms, your kids can learn 5 awesome magic tricks with household props you probably already have!
Activity 9: Learn magic tricks like Matilda!
Activity 10: Visit the library or bookstore for more whimsical Roald Dahl books!
James and the Giant Peach: A young orphan named James befriends a group of insects and goes on a magical adventure inside a giant peach. The book is known for its whimsical storytelling, memorable characters, and imaginative plot.
The BFG: A young girl named Sophie befriends a Big Friendly Giant (BFG) and helps him to stop other giants who are eating children. The book is known for its inventive language, playful characters, and heartwarming message about friendship and courage.
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory: A poor boy named Charlie wins a golden ticket to tour the mysterious and magical chocolate factory of Willy Wonka. The book is known for its vivid imagination, humor, and colorful characters.
Fantastic Mr. Fox: A clever and cunning fox named Mr Fox outwits three evil farmers who are trying to catch him and his family. The book is known for its fast-paced adventure, witty dialogue, and playful illustrations.
REWARD: Celebrate Matilda, the book!
After your child finishes the book and completes one or more of the above activities, download this FREE book-themed artwork as a memento to hang or frame in their room.
Here are book-themed reward ideas for Matilda!
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