The Little Engine That Could is part of our Starts With a Story Collection, which includes more than 600 picture book companions based on high quality children’s literature that support you in delivering highly-engaging interactive read alouds with follow up activities. Learn more about this children’s book below! - Jodi and the Starts With a Story Team
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SUMMARY
"The Little Engine That Could" by Watty Piper is a beloved children's book that follows the journey of a determined little engine. The story begins with a stranded train filled with toys and gifts for children, unable to move due to a broken-down engine. Various larger engines pass by, refusing to help, until a small blue engine volunteers. Despite her size and doubts, the little engine bravely takes on the task of pulling the train over a steep hill. Throughout the journey, the little engine repeats the empowering mantra, "I think I can, I think I can," as she conquers each obstacle. With its timeless message of perseverance and optimism, the book teaches children the value of believing in themselves and never giving up. In the end, the little engine's determination pays off, as she successfully delivers the gifts to the awaiting children, becoming a symbol of triumph and resilience.
 USE THIS BOOK TO TEACH:
Our read aloud lesson plans for this picture book come with reading comprehension questions (with sample student responses), 30 writing prompts, teaching ideas for grammar skills, social emotional learning discussion ideas, and more. Check out our list below to get a sneak peek at some of the skills this resource teaches.
- Have students sequence the important events in the story. This is an important skill when it comes to retelling a story.
- Discuss the different characters in the story and analyze their thoughts and actions.
- Practice identifying the main idea and key details.
- Encourage students to use their summarizing and retelling strategies.
- Discuss the different adjectives used in the book.
- Explore what onomatopoeia is and how authors use it in their writing.
- Discuss a social emotional learning concept such as resiliency.
NO-PREP PRINTABLE ACTIVITIES:
If you are looking for “ready to go” activities for the first day of school, be sure to check out the book companion. With it you’ll receive all of the following resources to align with this specific book:
- comprehension questions
- 30Â writing prompts with themed paper
- vocabulary activities
- word study print & go activities
- ideas for grammar lessons with focus sentence printables
- social emotional learning discussion topics
- graphic organizers to target specific comprehension skills and strategies
This book is a must have for your school or classroom library. Your students are going to love completing these activities for the book and you will be impressed with how much they learn. You will want to read this book to your class every year.
GET THE PRINTABLE ACTIVITIES
ADDITIONAL BOOK SUGGESTIONS
You and your students will love the similar books listed below, which can all be found in our free picture book list.
- The Girl Who Never Made Mistakes by Mark Pett
- The Thing Lou Couldn't Do by Ashley Spires
- Salt in His Shoes by Deloris Jordan
- Jabari Jumps by Gaia Cornwall
TRY OUT A SAMPLE COMPANION
It's hard to explain how amazing the Starts with a Story book companions are because there is just so much goodness included in each one. It's best if you experience using one for yourself. Sign up below & we'll send you an entire book companion to try out for FREE!
