Reading Road Trip brings music and creativity to BEST Institute

Students at the BEST Institute experienced a blend of storytelling, music and creative expression when Beaches Turks and Caicos and the Sandals Foundation hosted a Reading Road Trip featuring the international KIDZ BOP Kids.

The visit brought the young vocalists and dancers into classrooms, where they encouraged students to embrace confidence, celebrate creativity and use their talents to make a positive impact. Their message also challenged students to be bold in expressing themselves and exploring their abilities.

Celebrating 25 years of existence, KIDZ BOP records family-friendly, child-appropriate versions of pop music. Its focus on engaging young audiences provided a connection between the visiting performers and the students, bringing an entertainment element to the literacy experience.

Creative imagination formed a key topic of focus as students were encouraged to bring fictional stories to life. The activities allowed them to explore colourful, imaginative approaches to storytelling and express how they see and feel about learning.

Beyond reading, the visit offered opportunities for conversations about creativity, confidence and the role young people can play through their individual talents. The performers visited every class and delivered a live performance for the school.

Deryk Meany, general manager of Beaches Turks and Caicos, said the Sandals Foundation’s Reading Road Trip continues to create meaningful connections between visiting guests and children.

“The Reading Road Trip is an incredible literacy-focused programme for students throughout the Caribbean. Here in the Turks and Caicos Islands, our kindergarten students get the chance to engage with our guests through reading and comprehension activities. The experience with the Kidz Bop team added a magical flavour of creative expression – a vital component in a holistic learning environment.”

Acting principal Nadeine Crossman welcomed the combination of literacy activities and entertainment, describing the experience as a valuable opportunity for students to connect with learning.

“Our students had a beautiful experience with Beaches Turks and Caicos, the Sandals Foundation and the Kidz Bop team with this Reading Road Trip. Our children were able to have the front row to a full entertainment package from the group. Reading is fundamental. Our students were engaged in learning about creative literacy and the team made it easier for them to learn.”

For Grade 6 student Kyle Williams, the classroom interactions and encouraging discussions were among the most memorable aspects of the visit.

“This day is one that as students, we will be talking about for a long time. The Kidz Bop team was engaging. They visited all the classes and had positive youth rap sessions with us. We are grateful to be selected for this Reading Road Trip as we continue to grow with literacy and creativity.”