Middle School students recently joined forces with over 2 million students worldwide to participate in a simultaneous storytelling event centred around the children’s book “The Speedy Sloth.” This experience allowed students to delve into the magical world of author Rebecca Young and witness the artistic brilliance of illustrator Heath McKenzie.
Learners gathered in front of their classroom TV screens, awaiting the live reading of “The Speedy Sloth” by Rebecca Young herself. Through her engaging narration, Rebecca Young transported us into a world where a seemingly ordinary sloth steps up, perseveres, overcomes the challenge of a race, and is still home in time for dinner. The story’s underlying themes of integrity and self-esteem resonated within our school community, aligning with two of our R.I.S.E values.
Following the reading, our excitement grew as Heath McKenzie took the virtual stage. With his artistic prowess, he skilfully guided us through the process of illustrating the book, demonstrating his techniques, and even treating us to a live drawing session. This was followed up in many middle school classes with drawing lessons around Spike the sloth.
We are grateful to have been part of this remarkable event, ‘joining hands’ with millions of other students from across New Zealand and Australia.
