Roald Dahl turns 100 in a few weeks. Or he would, if he were still alive, but that’s somewhat beside the point. I remember reading large numbers of his books as a kid, some because they were required, actually quite a few because they were required. But, I also read some because I enjoy absurdity, though Charlie and the Great Glass Elevator pushed limits even for me.
Because of the lasting popularity of Roald Dahl, his books are frequently adapted into movies, and we have done quite a few for our book and a movie nights. They make delightful homeschool reading assignments, and lead to amazing discussions. For the sake of this Roald Dahl unit, I’m linking to our book and a movie night posts if we’ve already read the book, and if not, I will link to the book with a suggested activity or link to an activity.
{There are scads of Amazon links throughout here, and all of them are affiliate links}
Third Grade Roald Dahl books
Huh, I was apparently completely wrong in my assessment of Roald Dahl books reading level, because none of his books are officially listed as for third grade. I find this interesting. So, the lesson here is you will not be teaching a Roald Dahl unit in third grade unless you have gifted readers OR are doing read alouds.
Fourth Grade Roald Dahl books
Revolting Rhymes– I vaguely remember reading this as a child. Two obvious activities include: illustrating his rhymes or writing your own (I know the post is not specifically on this topic, but I like how she approaches poetry).
Matilda– oddly this is one of his few books I have not read, and it is just up my alley with the bookworm girl character. I plan to assign this for my kids and we’ll watch the movie (this particular copy comes with Pippi Longstocking, score!).
James and the Giant Peach– our family was somewhat disappointed by the movie, but I still have fond memories of reading this as a child.
The Witches– this is a great assigned reading in October, and my kids loved this movie, even if the ending is nothing like the book.
Fantastic Mr Fox– I’ll be honest I don’t really know much about this book, but I like talking animals, and the movie looks to be quite amusing. It’s on my to do list. Maybe we’ll also make this fun Mr. Fox mask.
Fifth Grade Roald Dahl books
The Twits– This is a great book to talk through how you treat people and the consequences of it. It’s also pretty revolting, because after all the main characters are… wait for it…. twits. I don’t have good memories of reading it, and I don’t remember if this was required or not. For a fun activity from the Twits, why not try making Roly-Poly birds?
Charlie and the Great Glass Elevator– This takes up right after Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (but amusingly enough it is a middle of fifth grade reading level, unlike its predecessor which is an end of fifth grade reading level). Charlie and Willie Wonka take the Great Glass Elevator all the way up into space and meet astronauts and aliens. But, they’re not nice aliens. It’s weird even for me, but I had to include it in a Roald Dahl unit.
The BFG– For some strange reason I have not read this book. I say strange because this hits all of the major tropes I like, and all of my childhood friends read it, which usually meant I had as well. I offered to take the kids to see the movie at the theater if they read the book, and they said “We want to wait and watch it at home with special snacks.” Instead, I give you this fun Dream Bottle activity to go with it, and these super yummy looking snacks (which I will steal from when the DVD comes out)
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory– This book/movie combo is what started my obsession with movies being true to the books. My teacher loved the original Gene Wilder movie, but talked on and on about Charlie never disobeying a rule, which is not what happened in the movie. Almost 30 years later, and I still remember that (how am I old enough to say “30 years later”?).
Weaving this whole Roald Dahl unit together
For me the best author unit studies showcase the best books of an author, or showcase the different styles an author can write in. While it would be fun to read all of his books and discuss them, if you only have time for three read: James and the Giant Peach, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, and Revolting Rhymes. Those will give you a great idea of who he is as an author, and his fantastical view of the world.
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