Bring storytelling to life with our engaging The Speedy Sloth: Puppet Retell Booklet, designed to accompany a whole class reading of The Speedy Sloth by Rebecca Young. This hands-on resource supports students in orally retelling the story using visual prompts and character puppets.

Retelling is a powerful way to build comprehension, sequencing, and oral language skills. With this resource, students can use illustrated scenes from the story alongside their own puppets to retell the narrative in their own words. It’s an interactive and imaginative approach that helps students connect deeply with the characters, setting and plot.

The resource includes a mini booklet with five background scenes and eight character and object images to cut and turn into puppets. Students can colour the booklet and puppets before attaching them to pop sticks. The included puppet pocket is a fun and practical way to keep all materials organised - just attach it to the back of the booklet after assembling.

Key Learning Outcomes:

• ✅ Orally retell a familiar narrative using visual and tactile aids
• ✅ Identify characters, setting, and main events from the story
• ✅ Develop sequencing and storytelling skills
• ✅ Engage in imaginative play to deepen text understanding
• ✅ Strengthen fine motor and speaking skills simultaneously

What’s Included:

• Cover page for the retell booklet
• 5 illustrated background scenes from the story
• 8 cut-out images for puppet making
• Puppet pocket template for storing cut-outs

Materials Needed:

• Printed booklet pages (double-sided, flip on long edge)
• Scissors and glue or tape
• Pop sticks for attaching puppets
• Stapler for binding the booklet
• Optional: crayons, pencils, or markers for colouring

How to Use:

1. Read The Speedy Sloth with your class and discuss the story elements.
2. Print and assemble the booklet following the back-to-back and slicing instructions.
3. Have students cut and colour the puppet characters and attach them to pop sticks.
4. Use the puppet pocket to store all character puppets inside the back of the booklet.
5. Allow students to use the puppets and background scenes to retell the story independently or with peers.

Ideas for Classroom Use:

• 💡 Use during guided reading sessions to reinforce comprehension and oral language
• 💡 Include as a Book Week or picture book response activity
• 💡 Add to your reading rotations as an independent literacy task
• 💡 Pair students for buddy reading and co-retelling
• 💡 Record students’ puppet retells as part of an assessment portfolio

Top Teacher Tips:

• 💛 Laminate puppet pieces before attaching to pop sticks for long-lasting use
• 💛 Store all puppet pieces in labelled snap-lock bags if not using the pocket
• 💛 Model a retell first to scaffold student confidence
• 💛 Use this activity as a warm-up before creative storytelling or writing sessions

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