Namao School and The Wild Robot

On Friday, December 13, our entire school embarked on a memorable field trip to see the movie adaptation of The Wild Robot in theatres. This exciting event was the culmination of a school-wide book study, where every class participated in a journey of exploration and discovery through Peter Brown’s heartwarming novel.

For weeks leading up to the trip, students and teachers came together every week to dive deep into the story of Roz, the robot who finds herself stranded on a remote island, learning to adapt, survive, and connect with the animals around her. Throughout the study, classrooms worked on various activities that helped bring the book to life—creating art projects, holding group discussions, and even writing letters from Roz’s perspective. The shared experience created a sense of unity and excitement as the whole school worked together to explore the themes of nature, technology, and belonging.

The field trip to the theatre provided a perfect opportunity to see the story come to life on the big screen. As we walked into the theatre, the excitement in the air was palpable. Teachers and students eagerly found their seats, and the lights dimmed as the film began. Watching the movie adaptation allowed everyone to compare the way the story had been visualized with their own imaginations, seeing how the characters and setting had been brought to life through animation.

The movie stayed true to the essence of the book, capturing the emotional depth of Roz’s journey while also introducing new visual elements that captivated the audience. From the lush island landscapes to the quirky animal characters, it was easy to see why The Wild Robot has become such a beloved story. Students were especially drawn to Roz’s journey of personal growth and her evolving relationships with the creatures of the island. It was an unforgettable experience to witness these moments on the screen, following the growth of the robot from a machine trying to understand the world to a beloved part of the island’s ecosystem.

This school-wide book study and field trip not only offered an opportunity for learning and fun, but it also encouraged students to connect with each other, share ideas, and discuss the themes of the book in meaningful ways. It was inspiring to hear students reflect on the lessons they took away from the story, particularly Roz's determination to adapt to her new environment and her efforts to build community with others.

In addition to the classroom discussions and movie viewing, students also engaged in a variety of follow-up activities that helped them reflect on the film and deepen their understanding of its themes. They created their own imaginative robots, many of which can be seen in the school foyer, and discussed how the movie’s portrayal of Roz’s relationship with the animals aligned with their own ideas about technology and nature.

As the day came to a close, it was clear that the field trip had been more than just a fun outing. It had been a celebration of learning, creativity, and collaboration, bringing the whole school together around a shared love of reading and storytelling. Students left the theatre not only excited about The Wild Robot, but also with a deeper understanding of the story’s messages about connection, growth, and the importance of finding one’s place in the world.

Thank you to our incredible staff who worked so hard in organizing this trip! We know that it was no easy feat getting 400+ students, staff and volunteers onto busses and the like!