The Witches



Last updated Thursday, November 17, 2011

Author: Roald Dahl
Illustrator: Quentin Blake
Date of Publication: 1983
ISBN: 9780374384579
Grade Level: 5th    (GLCs: Click here for grade level guidelines.)
Date(s) Used: Aug. 2011

Synopsis: Grandmamma loves to tell about witches. Real witches are the most dangerous of all living creatures on earth. There's nothing they hate so much as children, and they work all kinds of terrifying spells to get rid of them. Her grandson listens closely to Grandmamma's stories -- but nothing can prepare him for the day he comes face to face with The Grand High Witch herself!

Note to readers:
•  Make sure to show the kids the illustrations

Read the following pages for time purposes:
•  A Note About Witches pp.3-8
•  How to Recognize a Witch pp.21-30
•  The Meeting pp.57 on

Discussion topics for before reading:
•  Have you seen "The Witches" movie?
•  What other Roald Dahl books have you read?
•  Have you seen any of the movies based on his books?
•  What are some witches from other movies or books?
•  Have you suspected anyone of being a witch?

Discussion topics for during/after reading:
•  How are these witches different from other witches you've read about or seen in movies?
•  How would you describe a witch?
•  Name witches from other movies or books
•  Who is telling the story?
•  What do you think happens to the main character?

Craft ideas:
•  Draw a picture of a witch
•  Inflate a balloon and draw a witch's head on it
•  Create a recipe for a potion

*Note: These craft ideas are just suggestions. You can use them, but you don't have to use them. You can expand upon them, or add your own twist. Remember, though, that the focus of your time should not be on the development and execution of a craft; the focus should be on the read-aloud and the enjoyment of the book!