This month in Preschool 2, we were learning about Christmas and “The Polar Express” movie! The preschoolers got so excited when we started talking about the train and what you can eat and drink on the train. We learned that in order to ride on the Polar Express you need a special ticket. On the train, you can wear your pjs and drink hot chocolate as the train takes a trip to the North Pole to hopefully see Santa! We also talked about what the conductor’s role is and why he’s so important. We then all worked together to create conductor hats and our very own classroom steam train to climb aboard.
These interest and activities are important to children’s learning. They are curious to learn and understand the meaning of Christmas and how when you believe in the magic, you can hear the bells ringing in the night. They had many questions regarding the train we see daily and steam trains, such as: How do they move? What makes them go? Do they all have conductor and passenger on them? Do all trains have “smoke” coming out the top? Do all their whistle “toot toots” sound the same?
We did some research as a group and discovered that train whistles are not all the same, a freight train blows 2 long, 1 short, then 1 long sound as it crosses the grade. Most trains including, long haul passenger trains and freight have conductors. We also discovered that most modern trains use diesel or are electric, steam trains are mostly for tourists rides.
Next, we’re going to look at the many ways that steam trains were used and why they are not used as much anymore. We are also excited to have our very own Polar Express day at the end of December!
