Things That Go
First Explorers Series
What’s inside...
A colorful and engaging board book for toddlers that introduces various modes of transportation. From cars and trains to boats and planes, the book takes young readers on a journey through the world of vehicles, with simple text and vibrant illustrations. Explore the busy town, bustling seaside, and look up in the air in 'First Things That Go!' Spot cars, boats, and fire engines, as well as lots of other vehicles all around us. Each scene has chunky push, pull, and slide mechanisms perfect for little hands, and vehicles to spot with fun facts about them. Beautifully illustrated by Christiane Engel, this title provides gentle early learning and is a wonderful introduction to science topics for small children. Discover more in the First Explorers series which includes Night Animals, Sea Creatures, In the Jungle, Dinosaurs, My Body, Astronauts, Wild Animals, Brilliant Bugs, and Snowy Animals.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
1-5
Length
10 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What was your favorite vehicle in the book and why?
How do you think the different vehicles help people in their jobs every day?
If you could design your own vehicle, what special features would it have?
Can you think of a time when we saw one of these vehicles in our own town? What was it doing?
How do you think the vehicles in the book are similar or different from those in other countries?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their thoughts by asking open-ended questions that require more than a yes or no answer.
Relate the vehicles and their functions in the book to real-life experiences or sightings to make the discussion more tangible.
Invite your child to draw their favorite vehicle from the book and describe what makes it special to them.
Discuss the importance of various vehicles in everyday life and community services to extend the learning beyond the book.
Use the book as an opportunity to introduce new vocabulary related to transportation and machinery.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Understanding modes of transportation
Explanation: Through vibrant illustrations and engaging text, 'Things That Go' introduces young readers to various types of vehicles and their purposes.
Real-World Application: Children can start identifying different vehicles they see in their daily life, enhancing their observational skills and understanding of the world around them.
Example Lesson: Vocabulary Development
Explanation: The book presents a variety of transportation-related words, helping children to expand their vocabulary and language skills.
Real-World Application: This enhanced vocabulary can help children confidently describe their surroundings and express themselves more clearly.
Example Lesson: Cognitive Development
Explanation: The book encourages children to think about how and why different vehicles are used, stimulating cognitive development and critical thinking.
Real-World Application: This can foster curiosity and problem-solving skills as children think about how vehicles fit into their community and the functions they perform.
Example Lesson: Environmental Awareness
Explanation: By showcasing different types of vehicles, including eco-friendly options, the book subtly promotes environmental consciousness.
Real-World Application: Children learn the significance of green transportation solutions, which can lead to environmentally responsible behavior as they grow.