The Truck Cat’s Big Adventure: National Simultaneous Storytime Craft is a creative and imaginative task designed to extend students’ engagement with The Truck Cat by Deborah Frenkel. This hands-on activity encourages students to reflect on the events of the story, explore character development, and predict what adventure Tinka might go on next—combining comprehension, writing, and craft into one joyful experience.

After reading The Truck Cat, students will use their imagination to dream up a brand-new adventure for Tinka. They’ll write a short description of the journey he takes, then create an adorable craft of Tinka peeking out from behind a steering wheel. With flexible options and detailed templates, this activity supports a wide range of learners while encouraging thoughtful storytelling and creative flair.

The resource includes full instructions, an eye-catching banner for display, and writing templates in three line widths (24mm, 18mm and 14mm). The craft component allows for three different approaches depending on student age and classroom time, and is designed to help students personalise their work while practising fine motor skills and visual storytelling.

To complete the activity, students colour or paint the craft templates, assemble the pieces, and decorate Tinka and the steering wheel using craft items or natural materials. The writing template is then attached below the craft to create a finished display piece that showcases both literacy and creativity.

Key Learning Outcomes:

• ✅ Reflect on key story events and character traits
• ✅ Practise prediction and narrative planning skills
• ✅ Develop descriptive writing linked to a known text
• ✅ Express creativity through detailed and personalised craft

What’s Included:

• Craft templates for Tinka and steering wheel
• Writing templates in 24mm, 18mm and 14mm line widths
• Three craft completion options to suit different ages
• Printable banner for classroom display

Materials Needed:

• Printed templates
• Pencils, crayons, paints
• Scissors, glue, backing card (optional)
• Craft items: cotton wool, pipe cleaners, googly eyes, pom poms
• Natural materials: leaves, flowers, grass, sticks, shells

How to Use:

• Read The Truck Cat, discussing Tinka’s journey and the people and places he encounters.
• Have students brainstorm possible new adventures for Tinka as a class.
• Guide students in writing about their chosen adventure using the template provided.
• Support students in assembling and decorating the Tinka craft.
• Attach writing to the craft and display in the classroom using the included banner.

Ideas for Classroom Use:

• 💡 Use after reading The Truck Cat to reinforce comprehension and prediction skills
• 💡 Pair with a narrative writing lesson or storytelling session
• 💡 Create a classroom display celebrating students’ creativity and writing
• 💡 Use in conjunction with the other resources in our The Truck Cat: Book PACKAGE

Top Teacher Tips:

• 💛 Model your own example to help students get started with ideas and layout
• 💛 Use A3 templates for students who need more space to write or decorate
• 💛 Encourage the use of descriptive language to bring Tinka’s next adventure to life

The Truck Cat’s Big Adventure: National Simultaneous Storytime Craft is a fun, literacy-rich activity that helps students connect with the text while fostering creativity, prediction, and storytelling skills in an engaging and memorable way.