Exploring Roald Dahl’s Stories Through Art, Imagination, and Craft

As part of our enriching literacy and creative arts program, students recently enjoyed a series of hands-on craft lessons inspired by the beloved books Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and Matilda by Roald Dahl. These activities not only sparked creativity but also deepened students' engagement with the stories and characters they’ve come to love.

From Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, students embarked on a fun-filled chocolate-themed project. They designed and created their own chocolate bars, wrapping them in custom-designed, colourful wrappers. Using foil, cardboard, and marker pens, they carefully crafted their very own "Golden Tickets," mimicking the iconic moment when Charlie discovers his magical invitation to Willy Wonka’s chocolate factory. The excitement was palpable as students held up their tickets, imagining what it would feel like to be one of the lucky few invited into the fantastical world of sweets and surprises.

In addition, we extended our chocolate theme into actual candy creation, where the students used their imaginations and artistic skills to create pretend chocolate treats—an engaging way to tie in sensory and visual learning with literature. Their joy was captured in smiles as they proudly displayed and "tasted" their creations.

Turning to Matilda, the focus shifted to the kindness and simplicity represented by Miss Honey. Students worked in pairs and small groups to construct miniature models of Miss Honey’s cottage using recycled materials. One particularly impressive model featured intricate details like twigs, orange pipe cleaners, and cardboard structures, capturing the rustic charm of her humble home. The process encouraged collaboration, problem-solving, and spatial awareness—all while reinforcing narrative elements from the story.

Throughout the project, the classroom buzzed with discussion about the books, characters, and plot lines. These integrated craft lessons provided a meaningful way for students to connect with literature, bringing scenes from the pages to life in tangible and imaginative ways. Their enthusiasm and creativity were truly heartwarming to see.