Free Matilda Word Search Printable
If your kids are anything like mine, once they’ve read Matilda, they can’t stop talking about the characters and all the clever moments in the story.
This Matilda word search is a fun way to keep that excitement going while sneaking in some reading and spelling practice.
I like to use it after we’ve finished the book, or even while we’re listening to the audiobook, because it helps kids remember key details, from Miss Honey’s kindness to her love of the library, in a hands-on, screen-free way.
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Matilda Word Puzzle
The Matilda word search PDF includes two easy to use pages designed to make reading connections fun.
The first page features a themed puzzle grid that encourages kids to recall characters, settings, and ideas from the story as they search.
I’ve found it works especially well after finishing the book or watching the film, when the details are still fresh in their minds.
The second page is the answer key, so they can check their work or get a little help if they get stuck. Words are hidden in multiple directions for just the right balance of challenge and success.
Word Bank
This puzzle includes a mix of names, places, and ideas that capture the heart of the story. From moments of bravery to the magic that makes the story unforgettable, each word has been chosen to spark memories and conversation as kids search.
- Genius
- Telekinesis
- Books
- Intelligence
- Wormwood
- Misshoney
- Trunchbull
- Rebellion
- Courage
- School
- Orphan
- Library
- Chalk
- Magic
- Resilience
- Bravery
- Child
- Power
- Revenge
- Justice
The Story Behind the Words
Every word in this puzzle was chosen because it ties directly to the world of Matilda. Some capture her quick mind and love of learning, others remind us of the friends and foes she meets along the way.
You’ll spot references to the places she finds comfort, the magical twist that makes her story unforgettable, and the courage she shows when standing up to unfairness.
Working through the puzzle isn’t just about finding letters, it’s a way for kids to revisit the story’s key moments and talk about the lessons it leaves behind.
Educational Benefits
I’ve found that word searches like this do more than just fill time, they quietly build important skills while keeping kids engaged.
As they hunt for each word, they’re exposed to richer vocabulary (think “telekinesis” or “resilience”), which often leads to great “What does that mean?” moments.
Every search reinforces correct spelling without the pressure of drills, and scanning the grid in different directions strengthens focus and pattern recognition.
Best of all, it connects them back to the story in a playful way, helping them remember characters, events, and themes without it feeling like a test.
Extending the Learning
Once the puzzle is finished, there are plenty of ways to keep the conversation going. You could pick a few of the words and use them as inspiration for writing a brand-new scene.
Or turn it into a quick vocabulary challenge, after finding a word, have kids look up its meaning or use it in their own sentence.
For a deeper dive, match each character’s name to their role in the story and talk about how they influenced the main character’s journey.
You can even sort the words into themes like courage, learning, and justice to explore the bigger messages Roald Dahl weaves into the story.
More Roald Dahl Inspired Printables
When we’ve finished one of Dahl’s stories, I like to follow it up with Roald Dahl Day activities that keep the characters and themes fresh in my son’s mind. These are some of our favourites for adding a creative twist to his books.
- Matilda worksheet – A great way to revisit the story, exploring vocabulary, themes, and memorable characters.
- Charlie and the Chocolate Factory worksheet – Bring Willy Wonka’s world to life with puzzles and chocolate-themed challenges.
- Roald Dahl word search – Search for hidden words from several of Dahl’s classics, sparking conversations about different books.
- Roald Dahl author study – Learn fascinating details about his life and creative process that inspire his storytelling.
- Roald Dahl games – Playful, book-themed games that turn reading into a shared experience.
More Matilda Fun
Sometimes a single book sparks weeks of related activities in our house. If your kids are still caught up in her clever world, these are fun ways to keep that spark alive.
- Matilda Mad Libs – Fill in the blanks to create silly new twists on her adventures, we’ve had some laugh-out-loud results.
- Matilda Sticker and Activity Book – Packed with puzzles, coloring pages, and stickers for hours of hands-on fun.
- Matilda’s Jokes for Awesome Kids – Perfect for light-hearted moments, this collection of kid-friendly jokes taps into her sharp wit.
- Matilda Jigsaw Puzzle – Recreate iconic scenes piece by piece for a relaxing, screen-free activity.
Get the Free Matilda Inspired Word Search Printable Here!
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