Literacy Tip
My name is Cindy. Two and three year olds love trains. This action rhyme tells the story of a train through words and actions, helping children to understand opposites—forward and back.
Transcript
This is the choo-choo train (Bend arms at elbows.)
Puffing down the track. (Rotate forearms in rhythm.)
Now it’s going forward. (Push arms forward; continue rotating)
Now it’s going back. (Pull arms back; continue rotating.)
Now the bell is ringing (Pull bell cord with closed fist.)
Now the whistle blows. (Hold fist near mouth and blow.)
What a lot of noise it makes (Cover ears with hands.)
Everywhere it goes. (Stretch out arms.)
Video Information
- Creator: Colorado Libraries for Early Literacy
- Performers: Cindy Frye
- Contributors: Rocky Mountain PBS
- Source: Choo-Choo Train is included in
This is a great rhyme! I can’t wait to try it out with kids!
These videos are great for toddlers. My niece is almost 3 years old and I think she and her mother would love them.
This is a great rhyme to do for a train themed storytime (or anytime if you have kids)!
Catchy,. Would partner well with units on transportation or Thomas the engine. The words could be transposed to mimic a car or boat eg: This is a row boat gliding across the pond (arms in a rowing fashion Now it’s going forward, now its going back. Now the whistle blows toot toot toot. What a lot of noise it makes Everywhere it goes.
I love it, can’t wait to try it on other kids.