Circle Time Train Track Song and Game
Begin the Preschool Trains Lesson Plan with I Drive A Freight Train, by Sarah Bridges and illustrated by Amy Bailey Muehlenhardt. “My name is Marcia and I’m an engineer. I drive a freight train. There are two seats inside. One seat is for me, and the other is for my conductor, Lou. The conductor is in charge of the whole train.” Train facts are also included throughout the book (technical train talk made fun)! Trains by Anne Rockwell or Terrific Trains by Tony Minton and Ant Parker are also good choices to introduce the circle time song and game. Then, children sing “I’ve Been Working on the Railroad.” Each child takes a turn around the circle, adding his or her touch to the track, train, or landscape (from a large container or pile of wooden blocks, legos, lego people, trees, or other loose parts). Another option? As each child takes a turn around the circle, insert his or her name in the song. (Child’s name) been working on the railroad all the live long day. (Child’s name) been working on the railroad just to pass the time away. Can’t you hear the whistle blowing? Rise up so early in the morn. Can’t you hear the whistle blowing? (Child’s name) blow your horn! (Child’s name) blow your horn, (Child’s name) blow your horn, (Child’s name) won’t your blow your horn? (Child’s name) blow your horn, (Child’s name) blow your horn, (Child’s name) won’t you blow your horn? (The next child takes a turn for the song’s length.)
Train Template Tracing
Next, place rectangle and circle templates (made from posterboard) on paper-covered tables—add crayons, colored pencils, or markers to trace. Three to four children at each table work best.
Ms. CeCe’s Tasty Train Treat
- 1/2 banana for each child (unpeeled)
- graham crackers
Directions:
Each child receives a banana half and a graham cracker. Next, children unpeel the banana, cut circle slices (wheels), and create a train treat.
Gathering Time
In closing, share table-top train designs, and introduce “Down by the Station.” Form a train with movement and sound effects! Down by the station, early in the morning, see the little puffer trains all in a row. See the engine driver pull the little handle. Choo, choo, puff, puff, off we go! chugga-chugga, chugga-chugga, chugga, chugga choo choo. chugga -chugga chugga-chugga choo choo choo!
Realistic Trains by Matt Doeden with Gail Saunders-Smith, Ph.D., Consulting Editor, offers photographs and simple text for gathering time. A naptime selection? Sleep Train by Jonathan London and Lauren Eldridge.