Bring your classroom read-alouds to life with our fun and engaging The Speedy Sloth: Face Masks resource. Designed to accompany a whole class reading of The Speedy Sloth by Rebecca Young, these masks are perfect for enhancing oral retells, drama activities, and book-inspired play.

This versatile resource includes a variety of character and object images from the story, allowing students to step into the shoes of Spike and her fellow racers. Whether you’re working on sequencing, retelling, or simply adding a touch of fun to your literacy block, these masks will encourage participation and storytelling in a playful and memorable way.

The pack includes 16 masks in both colour and black and white versions. You can choose the option that best suits your classroom needs - use the black and white versions for a creative colouring activity, or go with full colour for a quick and easy prep solution. We recommend printing on thick card and attaching to paddle pop sticks or elastic bands for maximum durability and functionality.

Key Learning Outcomes:

• ✅ Retell and sequence events from a narrative text
• ✅ Use visual supports to enhance oral language development
• ✅ Engage in imaginative roleplay and storytelling
• ✅ Develop character recognition and understanding
• ✅ Participate in collaborative dramatic play activities

What’s Included:

• 16 face masks featuring characters and objects from The Speedy Sloth
• Each mask provided in both colour and black and white
• Images include Spike the Sloth, fellow animals, and key race elements

Materials Needed:

• Thick card for printing
• Scissors for cutting out masks
• Glue or tape
• Paddle pop sticks, elastic bands, or string (for holding masks)
• Optional: crayons or markers for decorating the black and white masks

How to Use:

1. Read The Speedy Sloth with your class and discuss the characters and key events.
2. Hand out masks to students and assign roles for an oral retelling or drama activity.
3. Encourage students to act out parts of the story using the masks and their own voices.
4. Use the masks in small groups or as a centre rotation for independent practice.
5. Store masks for future use in reading corners or dramatic play areas.

Ideas for Classroom Use:

• 💡 Use masks to retell the story in sequence as a class performance
• 💡 Include in a puppet theatre or roleplay station during literacy rotations
• 💡 Use black and white versions for a colour-and-create activity linked to character study
• 💡 Laminate the masks for durability and repeated use
• 💡 Let students create their own dialogue as their characters for added oral language practice

Top Teacher Tips:

• 💛 Store masks in labelled envelopes for easy reuse throughout the year
• 💛 Attach to large paddle pop sticks for a mess-free alternative to elastic
• 💛 Encourage reluctant speakers to use masks to build confidence with oral language
• 💛 Pair with other Speedy Sloth resources for a themed literacy unit

Check out more amazing resources related to The Speedy Sloth in our The Speedy Sloth Book PACKAGE.