This week I will be reading Freight Train. It’s a good book that uses a few concept words (across, back, next, through, cross, light, dark). These words help us navigate with directions at school such as. ‘ Move your finger across the page as you read’, ‘Go to the back of the line’, ‘ You can take a turn next’, and ‘Cross the line before you start running’. If a child does not know the meaning of concept words, it may appear as though they are not following directions.
Freight Train also teaches color words and the different ‘job’ for each type of car on a train. While you read, ask questions like, “Can milk can be transported in a hopper car? Why not?”. “Can people travel in a tank car? Why not?”.
We May move and sing to this song Click Here
Play a train game. Sit down and make ‘tickets’ together. Make a train by lining up chairs. Choose a train conductor (wear a special hat) and have the conductor collect the tickets. Ask where they are going and why.
Here is a fun train snack to make at home with your preschooler
Substitute bananas for the wheels and put different cargo (popcorn, carrot pieces) in the cars!
If you think of something fun that you do with your preschooler, comment in the blog! I’d LOVE to hear from you.
Click on the Language Extensions At Home on the right for activities with the /l/ sound.