The Train That Pulls Into the Room
Children hold on to a long rope like train cars and pull into the room with the teacher as the engineer, singing a made-up train song. It turns the move from the classroom into a comforting routine.
How to play
- In the hallway, the teacher stretches out the rope and each child holds on with one hand: we're a train (1 min).
- Sing "Choo-choo-choo, the train is on its way, choo-choo-choo, we're coming in to play" and walk slowly into the room (1 min).
- The train goes around the room: when the drum plays fast we walk quickly, when it plays slow we go slowly (1 min).
- The train stops at the "station": cars let go, take a little walk around and hook back onto the rope (1 min).
- Reach the middle, let go of the rope and sit in a circle saying "Toot toot, we're here!" (1 min).
Rules
- One hand stays on the rope while the train is moving.
- Nobody pulls the rope; we carry it gently.
- At the station we let go and come back to our spot on the train.
Variations
Easier
For 3-year-olds, the teacher leads and another adult is at the end; nobody has to let go at the station unless they want to.
Standard
For 4-year-olds, children let go at the station, take a short walk and hook back on.
Harder
For 5-year-olds, a child is the engineer with the teacher alongside, and the train changes direction at the station.
Adaptations
- Limited mobility: tie the rope to the wheelchair or let the child hold it on their lap, and the train goes at their pace.
- Autism: show a train picture before leaving the classroom and keep the same song and route every time.
- Hearing impairment: the teacher turns around and shows fast or slow with an arm signal as well as the drum.
Learning goals
- Make the move from the classroom to the movement room easier.
- Match walking speed to the group's rhythm.
- Feel part of the group from the very start.
Equipment for a class of 25
- Long rope: 1
- Hand drum: 1
Teacher tip
Always use the same rope and song to come in; within days the children will ask for it. If someone is crying on arrival, put them in the first car right behind you.
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