The wheels on the bus

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This lesson offers so many options for teaching English to little students in fun, interactive ways, they won’t even realize that they are learning. ;-D

I’ll just jump right in.

First, obviously, the classic children’s song. You can get the song on Amazon or youtube, but I prefer the book and CD combination available on Book Depository, because it’s only $6 or $7 and Book Depository has world wide free shipping!

After reading the book and listening to the CD it’s time to start teaching some vocabulary. I like to use the free printable images available at Little Puddins. There are many ways to use these cards to reinforce the the vocabulary in the song. You could let the children choose what order to sing the the different verses in by taking turns pointing to the image they want. You could play charades, or make a bingo game, play Jump For It or several other games. For ideas visit my post 10 games to play with little English learners.

Start crafting.

Some of my kids love crafts, other prefer games and others interactive play. If you are working one-on-one or with a small group, you get to choose the activities that work best for your child. Here are two of my favourite crafts to go with this song.

First off, Homemade Preschool has a free printable that is an easy print, color, cut and glue. I use clear tape to help the children attach the door and wiper so that they move, and a brad to attach the back wheel so that it spins.

DLTK Growing Together has a fun School Bus 3D Craft. The first time I made the craft I printed it on normal copy paper and it was flimsy and the children couldn’t play with it. The second time I printed it on thick card stock and it worked much better. We could then add spinning wheels made from bottle caps. Just a warning, this craft is very detailed, the children love it but it’s too difficult for preschoolers and kindergarteners to do by themselves.