Support student writing and vocabulary development with our handy The Speedy Sloth: Vocabulary Mat. This mat has been designed to accompany a whole class reading of The Speedy Sloth by Rebecca Young and is the perfect reference tool for students as they complete written responses and comprehension activities linked to the story.

Featuring a selection of key words and illustrations from the book, the vocabulary mat encourages students to use topic-specific language in their oral and written tasks. Whether working on a character description, writing a retell, or engaging in vocabulary-based activities, students will benefit from having this visual prompt at their fingertips.

This resource includes both colour and black and white versions for flexible classroom use. Use the colour version for wall displays, reading corners or anchor charts, and the black and white version as a personal reference mat that can be glued into student workbooks. It’s a low-prep, high-impact resource that supports students in building confidence with language and recalling words from the text.

Key Learning Outcomes:

• ✅ Build vocabulary knowledge connected to the text
• ✅ Encourage the use of story-specific language in writing tasks
• ✅ Strengthen reading comprehension through word familiarity
• ✅ Support independent writing and oral responses
• ✅ Develop visual literacy and text-to-image connections

What’s Included:

• 1 vocabulary mat in full colour
• 1 vocabulary mat in black and white
• Illustrated key words drawn from The Speedy Sloth

Materials Needed:

• Printed mats (choose colour or black and white)
• Glue sticks (if pasting into student books)
• Laminator (optional, for display versions)
• Markers or pencils (if using black and white mats for colouring)

How to Use:

1. Print the vocabulary mat version that suits your purpose (display or individual use).
2. Introduce and review the vocabulary words during or after reading The Speedy Sloth.
3. Glue the mat into student books or display it on a bulletin board as a reference.
4. Encourage students to refer to the mat during writing or comprehension activities.
5. Revisit the vocabulary mat throughout the unit or term for reinforcement.

Ideas for Classroom Use:

• 💡 Use during writing tasks to encourage the inclusion of specific vocabulary
• 💡 Display in the classroom as a visual reminder of the story
• 💡 Include in literacy rotations as a reference tool
• 💡 Pair with vocabulary worksheets or cloze tasks
• 💡 Provide to EAL/D students as word support for oral language development

Top Teacher Tips:

• 💛 Laminate colour versions to reuse each year
• 💛 Have students highlight or tick off words as they use them in writing
• 💛 Print black and white mats on coloured paper to make them stand out in workbooks
• 💛 Use mats in small groups for vocabulary games or revision

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