Silly Word Workshop Printable Activity Kit: Invent Words Like Roald Dahl

We love Roald Dahl’s books for so many reasons: his memorable characters, his preposterous spins on relatable themes, and, of course, his sly humor. Now there’s even more to love. We’re sharing a free Roald Dahl printable bundle of activities that will help K–6 classrooms explore Dahl’s signature invented vocabulary, which he called “gobblefunk,” and try out some of his techniques themselves.

Plus, we’re beyond excited—no, make that “razztwizzled”—about the release of early reader versions of our favorite Dahl titles that can help bring his classic tales to a more diverse range of readers. Check out a list of available titles below.

What’s included in the Roald Dahl Silly Word Workshop Bundle?

Teacher Guide

This overview explains how to use the included Roald Dahl printable resources, plus you’ll find tips and tricks for getting started, supporting students, and extension ideas. It also includes a list of Roald Dahl classics and new leveled versions from Penguin Young Readers.

Gobblefunk Word Hunts

Use the “Gobblefunk” information page to introduce students to some of the techniques Dahl used to invent his words, plus strategies for figuring out what they mean. Then, have kids try the Gobblefunk Word Hunt to find and define invented words in Dahl’s books. Choose from three versions of the word hunts that you can use with both the classic Dahl chapter books and the companion leveled readers.

Gobblefunk Silly Word Lab Brainstorm Pages

It’s time to make silly words! These brainstorming sheets guide students in playing with combining real words and affixes and made-up word parts to create their own “gobblefunk.” There’s a version for younger students in grades K–2, as well as one for older students in grades 3–6.

Gobblefunk Class Dictionary Pages

Choose from two versions of a silly-word dictionary entry page for students to define their favorite invented word, illustrate it, and use it in a sentence. There are versions for grades K–2 and 3–6. We’ve also included a Gobblefunk Class Dictionary cover page so you can compile students’ dictionary entries into a fun class book.

GET THE SILLY WORD WORKSHOP BUNDLE

Check out these Roald Dahl books for all readers:

The BFG

A wildly imaginative adventure packed with humor, heart, made-up words, and an unforgettable friendship between Sophie and a very unusual giant.

Buy it: The BFG

The BFG: The Gloriumptious Giant Capture (Penguin Young Readers, Level 4)

An accessible Level 4 early reader that brings the humor, wordplay, and giant-sized adventure of The BFG to developing readers.

Buy it: The BFG: The Gloriumptious Giant Capture

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory

A deliciously imaginative classic filled with chocolate, larger-than-life characters, and the wonderfully unpredictable world of Willy Wonka.

Buy it: Charlie and the Chocolate Factory

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory: They All Come Out in the Wash (Penguin Young Readers, Level 3)

A fun Level 3 reader that lets developing readers experience the humor and surprises of Willy Wonka’s extraordinary chocolate factory.

Buy it: Charlie and the Chocolate Factory: They All Come Out in the Wash

Matilda

Smart, funny, and empowering, this beloved story celebrates a brilliant young reader who discovers she’s capable of extraordinary things.

Buy it: Matilda

Matilda: Matilda’s Miracles (Penguin Young Readers, Level 3)

A Level 3 reader that introduces developing readers to clever, book-loving Matilda and her very surprising abilities.

Buy it: Matilda: Matilda’s Miracles

The Witches

Dark, yet funny, and just the right amount of creepy, this classic pits one brave boy against a truly terrifying group of witches.

Buy it: The Witches

The Witches: The Mouse and the Mouse-Maker (Penguin Young Readers, Level 3)

A kid-friendly Level 3 reader that delivers the magic, mischief, and delightfully creepy fun of The Witches for developing readers.

Buy it: The Witches: The Mouse and the Mouse-Maker

Fantastic Mr. Fox

Fast-paced, funny, and wonderfully clever, this animal adventure makes it impossible not to root for the quick-thinking Mr. Fox.

Buy it: Fantastic Mr. Fox

Fantastic Mr. Fox: An Invitation to a Fox’s Feast (Penguin Young Readers, Level 3)

An accessible Level 3 reader filled with the clever schemes, humor, and animal antics that make Fantastic Mr. Fox a kid favorite.

Buy it: Fantastic Mr. Fox: An Invitation to a Fox’s Feast

James and the Giant Peach

A fantastical adventure with a giant peach, oversized insects, and plenty of imagination to keep young readers turning the pages.

Buy it: James and the Giant Peach

James and the Giant Peach: The Fantastic Flying Fruit (Penguin Young Readers, Level 3)

A Level 3 reader that gives developing readers a taste of James’s fantastical journey aboard the world’s most extraordinary peach.

Buy it: James and the Giant Peach: The Fantastic Flying Fruit

The Twits

Gross-out humor, outrageous pranks, and two hilariously awful characters make this mischievous classic especially irresistible to reluctant readers.

Buy it: The Twits

Wonka adapted by Sibéal Pounder

Perfect for chocolate-loving readers, this whimsical adventure imagines the experiences that shaped a young Willy Wonka before he became the famous chocolatier.

Buy it: Wonka

Get Silly Word Workshop, a free printable bundle of vocabulary activities inspired by Roald Dahl.