National Simultaneous Storytime (NSS) is back! Yes, that’s right; the beloved primary school event that celebrates coming together and reading returns on 21 May 2025. The annual event organised by the Australian Library and Information Association (ALIA) promotes the importance of reading and literacy for young children by encouraging schools, communities and libraries across the country to unite and read the same book at the same time.
This year, the book chosen by ALIA is The Truck Cat by Deborah Frenkel; a story about immigration, identity, and why home is about people, not just places.
The Truck Cat is the perfect book to inspire kindness and compassion in young children everywhere, with words by acclaimed new writer Deborah Frenkel and illustrations by multi-award-winning artist Danny Snell.
How to Join National Simultaneous Storytime for The Truck Cat
Getting your class on board for NSS couldn’t be simpler – or more rewarding! First, head over to the ALIA website and complete the free registration form, which gives you access to a PDF copy of the book and more.
On the big day, gather your students and dive into The Truck Cat together. Then, spark rich conversations around immigration, belonging, kindness and community by exploring the themes with your little learners through hands-on activities.
Engaging National Simultaneous Storytime Classroom Activities for Children
1. My Identity Worksheet – Suitcase Template
Invite each student to “pack” their own suitcase with drawings, words or photos that capture their personal story – favourite foods, family traditions, special hobbies or memories. This opens up a powerful discussion about what makes each of us unique and valued.
2. Character Emotions Chart and Worksheets
Guide students to plot Tinka the cat’s emotional journey before, during and after the move from overseas. By labelling and colouring in each emotion, children practise empathy and explore how major life changes can feel.
3. Funky Cat Art Activity
Channel your students’ creativity as they design their own “funky cats”. Encourage them to add symbols or patterns that represent their cultural heritage, favourite pastimes or personalities, then display the cats gallery-style on the classroom wall for a colourful conversation starter.
4. Storybook Soundscape
Bring the story to life through sound! Divide your class into small groups and assign each one a key scene from The Truck Cat. Using voices, body percussion and everyday classroom objects – like tapping pencils or rustling paper – students create a soundscape that matches the mood and action of their scene. Each group performs their soundscape as a classmate reads the matching passage aloud. It’s a multisensory way to deepen understanding and engagement with the story.
5. Migrant Life Writing Prompts
Provide prompts such as “A time I had to leave something behind” or “What I would pack if I moved to a brand-new place,” and watch your writers explore ideas of loss, hope and new beginnings in thoughtful short pieces.
6. Narrative Elements Graphic Organisers
Help students dissect The Truck Cat by mapping out its beginning, middle and end, and identifying characters, setting, conflict and resolution. This activity cements understanding of story structure and boosts comprehension skills.
7. Passport To My Heritage Project Template
Students complete a pretend passport page showcasing their family’s country of origin, languages spoken, traditional foods they love and important cultural celebrations. This becomes a rich springboard for sharing personal narratives in class.
8. Collaborative Story-Chain
Continue Tinka’s journey beyond the final page! Gather your students in a circle and have one child begin a new chapter with a single sentence – for example, “The Truck Cat woke up under a shady gum tree…” Each student takes a turn adding a sentence, building a shared sequel, one line at a time. Record the sentences on the board and read the class’s co-created story aloud at the end. This activity encourages creativity, active listening and collaborative storytelling.
9. History of Australian Immigration PowerPoint
Use this ready-made slide deck to explore key waves of migration to Australia – from the First Nations’ story through to modern multicultural Australia – and connect those events back to Tinka’s journey.
10. Dear Diary Template
Ask students to step into Tinka’s paws and write a diary entry – How did they feel to leave their old home? What excitement or worries do they have about meeting new friends? This reflective writing builds emotional literacy.
National Simultaneous Storytime 2025 is your chance to unite with students across Australia in a powerful shared reading experience. With The Truck Cat as your launchpad, these ten National Simultaneous Storytime activities – ranging from art and writing to live soundscapes, will deepen your learners’ empathy, cultural awareness and storytelling skills, sparking plenty of a-ha moments! Register today, gather your class on 21 May, and celebrate the magic of reading together.
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