TRAINS FOR KIDS

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Is your child obsessed with trains? Every time we drive by a railroad crossing sign my kiddo has to notify the entire van that there is a train track. Hear one in the distance, we must stop and listen. And if we ever see one in person, it’s all we hear about for the next week! If your child loves trains too then this week of learning is perfect for them. From sorting activities to learning shapes to art your child will love learning with these train activities.

All the train activities and printables mentioned here are included in a completely free week of learning for your preschooler at home. Included are complete instructions, free printables and coloring pages, as well as books and poem suggestions. Explore Tt is for Train here.

Favorite books about trains.

• The Little Engine That Could by Watty Piper is always a classic.
• Also, we enjoy reading Chugga, Chugga, Choo-Choo by Kevin Lewis.
• Lastly, Freight Train by Donald Crews. 

Train activities for kids.

Train Activities #1: Train car alphabet wall display printable.

I created the train themed alphabet display because my 3 year old loves trains. He has been using it for the entire Letter of the Week and is always excited to add a new letter to it. Additionally, we use it for alphabet review games. I created multiple themes of wall displays for my kiddos to learn the alphabet with. They’re designed to allow for tracing of letters and then are hung on the wall to be used for letter recognition and sound games.

Train Activities #2: By land, air, and sea sorting printable.

This activity involves sorting transportation types based on their mode of travel: land, air, or sea. My boys love it because anything that moves in water, air, or on land absolutely fascinates them. Although they may not know it, this activity helps children learn to categorize vehicles like cars, planes, and boats. Engage in this fun, educational exercise with a free printable available here to spark curiosity and enhance classification skills.

Train Activities #3: Train car shape matching.

After the morning basket and alphabet review using the wall display we use a train themed printable to practice shape matching. The printable is free at Tt is for Train. I was not prepared ahead of time so I provided my kiddo with a train themed coloring page to entertain him while I prepared the printable. When preparing the printable, I enjoy cutting them down so that my 3 year old can practice a few shapes at a time. In short, this allows them to gradually increase to all the shapes that are included.

Train Activities #4: Paint wooden train kit.

Firstly, I transformed our dining room into a vibrant paint station, setting out acrylic paints and brushes for a special project. Then, for the first time, I introduced the wooden train kit, and instantly, my son’s eyes sparkled with excitement and wonder. Moreover, the kit, perfectly sized for little hands, proved durable enough for enthusiastic play.

As he dipped his brush into bright colors, his face radiated pride and ownership, creating a truly priceless moment of creativity. Consequently, my boys adore painting their own toy train, with each stroke personalizing their creation. In fact, this hands-on activity far surpasses any pre-painted, pre-finished train, fostering imagination and a sense of accomplishment. Furthermore, watching them engage so deeply in crafting something uniquely theirs was heartwarming. Ultimately, this simple yet meaningful project not only sparked joy but also created lasting memories. Discover more about this delightful activity and how to bring it to life at home here.

Field trip train activities.

If you’re lucky enough to have a train museum nearby then this is the perfect end to a week of train activities. I have yet to go to a train museum that is similar to another. Some have actual large passenger trains to ride with historical information posted in the old train depot. 

Other train museums have countless model trains running over all sorts of constructed landscapes and time periods. At these latter museums they usually have the facility set up for kids. They could have a train themed playground, Thomas the Trains to ride and steer yourself, theme park-like train rides, carnival rides, historical information, or more. 

If you do not have this type of attraction as an option you can simply let your child watch some train videos online. Thomas the Train is an option, however I encourage you to show your child real trains in action. This YouTube channel, CoasterFan2105, is an excellent resource. Their editing is fantastic for showing primarily the engines to keep the video paced well for a child’s attention span.

Chugga-chugga, choo-choo your way to learning.

In conclusion, these train-themed activities offer a delightful way to fuel your child’s passion for trains while fostering creativity and learning. From sorting vehicles by land, air, and sea to painting a wooden train kit, each activity engages young minds and sparks joy. Moreover, the free printables, alphabet displays, and shape-matching games provide hands-on opportunities to explore letters, shapes, and categorization.

Whether you’re visiting a train museum or watching real trains online, these experiences create lasting memories. Best of all, the entire Tt is for Train week, complete with instructions, printables, and book suggestions, is freely available to enrich your child’s learning at home. Dive into this exciting adventure and watch your little conductor thrive! Explore all these resources and more at the provided link to make learning an unforgettable journey.

Creative activities for 3-5 year old’s at home.

Are you looking for activities for your preschooler to do at home? Tt is for Train is only one week in a 26 week curriculum. Letter of the Week is reimagined for all that home learning has to offer while still focusing on learning letter shapes. Check it out at the button below.

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