Transportation

A new week of activities is posted: Transportation Week. Young children are often fascinated by trucks, planes, trains, and automobiles. My granddaughter has even been on several dog sled rides, which she loves dearly. It’s the wrong season for that now, but not to take your child on a bus ride. Even if you own a car, consider taking a city bus sometime this week. The destination isn’t important. Go to the library by bus, or to a favorite restaurant for lunch. But show your child the ticket – let him hold it- or let him drop in the coins or tokens for the ride. Point out the driver’s uniform, and how he must pay attention to the traffic as he drives, yet you and your child do not. You can look out the windows, sing songs, talk, read a book – even close your eyes if you wish.

If your town doesn’t have a bus, talk to the school about riding the school bus into town and have a friend pick you up to bring you back. Or check out a tour bus, if there is an affordable trip you’d be interested in. Contact your Chamber of Commerce for other transportation ideas – is there a train excursion available? Even a roller-coaster might work, although you won’t find me getting on one!

Some day as you’re leaving the grocery store, point out all the different vehicles in the parking lot. Are there any motorcycles, scooters, delivery trucks, pickup trucks, SUVs, Humvees, Jeeps, Hybrid cars, convertibles, antique cars, or school buses? Point out the license plates (are they on front and back in your state, or only the back?) Are there some of different colors and designs (out of state)? Why are there so many different shapes and sizes? What color does your child like best? What kind of car would he like to be, if he were a car?

You could visit a car dealership, and test drive a new car with your child. Many dealerships are having awesome sales this year, but even if you aren’t in the market, it can be a fun afternoon activity. Bring along your car seat and don’t go too far! Fifteen minutes is a long time for a two year old.

If you have a friend in the fire department, see if you can visit him “on the job” and let him show your child around. Do you have a friend who is a police officer or sheriff? A bus driver? A taxi driver, or a chauffeur in a limousine? There are so many possibilities! If one hundred people do this Transportation Week, they might do it one hundred different ways. Leave a comment, and tell us all about your field trip.

Most of all, have fun!

Lesson Plan for Transportation Week

Tags: lesson plans, school bus, train ride, transportation