All By Myself
You will read a picture book with your child about doing things independently, and then make an “all by myself” train out of paper.
Learning Area(s): Reading and Writing; Social and Emotional
MATERIALS
- Children’s book with the theme of doing things independently (suggestions: All By Myself by Aliki or All By Myself by Mercer Mayer)
- Colored construction paper OR printable train template (available through the Download Resources link)
- Scissors
- Tape that is safe for walls
- Markers or crayons
LET'S PLAY
Prepare for this activity ahead of time by cutting out a train engine from construction paper or printed templates, as well as five to eight rectangular train cars.
Read aloud to the child the book that you have selected. Talk with your child about the story as you are reading: What is the child in the book doing? What things can your child do by herself? What things does she still need help with?
After you finish reading the book together with your child, explain that you are going to make an “All by Myself” train to show all the things your child has learned to do. Next, help your child start thinking of all the things she has learned to do by herself (you might use the book for ideas). Write each one on a paper train car. Then connect the cars to make a long train and attach it to the wall in your child’s bedroom or another chosen location.
Over time, you and your child can add more train cars as she learns to do more things on her own!
TIPS
- Your child could make some additional train cars with things she would like to do independently in the future. As she is able to do them, they can be added to the train!
- At times when your child becomes frustrated by things she can’t yet do, you can point to the train and remind her of all the things she CAN do.
- If your child enjoys this activity and/or is especially interested in trains, look for books about trains at your local public library!
