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Steam Train, Dream Train



Last updated Monday, December 30, 2019

Author: Sherri Duskey
Date of Publication: 2013
ISBN: 1452109206
Grade Level: Kindergarten    (GLCs: Click here for grade level guidelines.)
Date(s) Used: Jan. 2020

Synopsis: The dream train pulls into the station, and one by one the train cars are loaded: polar bears pack the reefer car with ice cream, elephants fill the tanker cars with paints, tortoises stock the auto rack with race cars, bouncy kangaroos stuff the hopper car with balls. Sweet and silly dreams are guaranteed for any budding train enthusiasts!

Note to readers:
•  Identify the different parts of the train to the children! This book covers a lot of that.

Discussion topics for before reading:
•  Have you ever been on a train before? Can you describe it? Where were you going? If you haven't: do you know what a train looks like?
•  What are dreams? What is your most memorable dream?

Vocabulary

•  Blares: make or to cause a loud, harsh noise
•  Grind: rub or cause to rub together gratingly
•  Freight: goods transported in bulk by truck, train, ship, or aircraft
•  Cargo: goods carried on a ship, aircraft, or motor vehicle
•  Tanker: a ship, road vehicle, or aircraft for carrying liquids, especially petroleum, in bulk
•  Convoy: a group of ships or vehicles traveling together, typically accompanied by armed troops, warships, or other vehicles for protection
•  Gondola: an open railroad freight car
•  Autorack: a specialized piece of railroad rolling stock used to transport automobiles and light trucks
•  Caboose: a railroad car with accommodations for the train crew, typically attached to the end of the train

Discussion topics for during/after reading:
•  What kind of animals were on the train? What were they doing? What was your favorite animal?
•  Do you remember the different parts that make up the train? What are they? Can you describe them? (color, shape, function)

Craft ideas:
•  Toilet paper roll train craft! Have the children create their own dream train out of toilet paper rolls!
•  Draw your favorite animal. Or magical or imaginary animals.
•  Draw what you would like to have on your train.
•  Check our craft ideas on Pinterest! https://www.pinterest.com/readingtokids/january-2020-mysteries-new-adventures/

*Note: These craft ideas are just suggestions. You can use them, but you don't have to use them. You can expand upon them, or add your own twist. Remember, though, that the focus of your time should not be on the development and execution of a craft; the focus should be on the read-aloud and the enjoyment of the book!