Roald Dahl Vocabulary Activities: Invent Silly Words (Printable)
Date:
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?
We Are Teachers
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.
We Are Teachers
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.
We Are Teachers
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.
We Are Teachers
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.
Check out these Roald Dahl books for all readers:
Penguin Random House
The BFG
A wildly imaginative adventure packed with humor, heart, made-up words, and an unforgettable friendship between Sophie and a very unusual giant.
Perfect for chocolate-loving readers, this whimsical adventure imagines the experiences that shaped a young Willy Wonka before he became the famous chocolatier.
