A colorful cartoon train inspired by The Little Engine That Could, featuring four carriages and a smiling clown face above the last carriage, set against a solid blue background.

Daycare Lesson Plans on “The Little Engine That Could”

ByChristina

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By spending time exploring Daycare Lesson Plans on “The Little Engine That Could”, children will connect with the characters, learn important life lessons, and develop school readiness skills through engaging play-based learning. A timeless children’s story that teaches perseverance, positive thinking, and the value of hard work makes it an excellent choice for a daycare lesson plan.

Illustration of a train and a juggling clown with text highlighting daycare lesson plans inspired by "The Little Engine That Could.

For printable lesson plans for two weeks including the Oklahoma ELGs for the QRIS requirements, check out this listing on Etsy for Lesson Plans on the Little Engine that Could.

Story Introduction

I love to start every lesson plan unit with a book, and these whole plans based on books are the most fun! This book is a real classic that is fun and encouraging for kids to never give up. Begin the week by introducing the book “The Little Engine That Could” by Watty Piper. Show children the cover and ask what they think the story might be about.

As you read, stop to talk about the characters: the big engine, the little blue engine, the dolls, the clown, and the toys. Emphasize the phrase “I think I can” and talk about what it means to believe in yourself. After reading, ask the children to recall the different trains and what each one said. Explain the meaning of perseverance using simple language like “keep trying even when it’s hard.”