The Little Engine That Could

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The Little Engine That Could

By Watty Piper, Platt & Munk Publishers, 1986

 

 

Concepts and Themes To Teach

  • Train, especially the term “cars” as applicable to a train, engine, train yard, tracks
  • Passenger vs. freight trains
  • Clown
  • Mountain
  • Pull
  • Self-esteem

 

 

Expanded Core Curriculum Skills and Activities

 

 

Recreation & Leisure

  • Train Game

Children line up and place their hands on the person’s shoulders in front of them.  Begin a follow-the-leader game.  Emphasize that this is a train, moving and stopping by walking forward, making turns.  Have the children switch places being the caboose or the engine.

 

 

Assistive Technology

  • Use a switch adapted train for the child to activate.  Child could activate the train when retelling the story, especially when the little blue engine is successful.  Adapted trains available from different companies, including Enabling Devices (most realistic with sounds and smoke).

 

Visual Efficiency Skills

  • Use trains to reinforce visual tracking skills.  Especially in a circular track, the child has repeated opportunities for success, as the train follows the same repeated path, direction, and speed.  If necessary, highlight the areas of the train tops for increased contrast and visual motivation.

 

Self-determination

  • “I think I can”.

Discuss the little engine in the story.  Let the child share one thing that they thought would be very hard to either do, but now can do successfully, or something they are proud of.  Make pins or stickers from die-cut fabric that says 'I can!” to give to them.

 

  • Have each child talk about what they can do.  Record their answers.  Add to the tape throughout the year, especially adding any new skills.  This becomes a year in review of all of their accomplishments.  Provide ample opportunities to listen to each child’s “story” throughout the year.