Wheels on the Bus
Raffi Songs to Read (Library) Series
on Goodreads (2,574)
What’s inside...
Wheels on the Bus by Raffi is a delightful children's book that brings the popular nursery rhyme to life with vibrant illustrations and playful text. The story follows the journey of a bus around the town, making it a fun and educational read for children. Raffi's delightful rendition of the classic song about the bus that goes 'all around town!' is sure to captivate young readers and make reading enjoyable. Singing supports and encourages even the youngest child's speech and listening skills, which makes Wheels on the Bus perfect for early learning. With its charming illustrations, this is the ideal sing-aloud for a whole new generation of readers.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
1-3
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What sounds do different parts of the bus make, and how do they contribute to the journey?
How do you think the people on the bus feel during their ride?
What are some of the places the bus stops at, and why are those stops important?
If you were on this bus, where would you like to sit and why?
Can you imagine a new verse for the song? What would happen in your verse?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use sound effects and gestures to mimic the bus’s actions while reading to make the experience more interactive.
Ask your child to point out different characters and objects they see on each page to enhance observation skills.
Encourage your child to talk about their own experiences on a bus and relate those to the story.
Sing the book’s song together and discuss the rhythm and rhyme to cultivate an ear for musical language.
After reading, have your child draw their favorite scene or character from the book to deepen their connection with the story.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Community and Social Interaction
Explanation: The repetitive and interactive nature of 'Wheels on the Bus' encourages group participation and teaches children about the daily routines of a community.
Real-World Application: Children can learn the importance of community roles and public transport, applying these insights when they engage in school trips or family outings using buses.
Example Lesson: Following Routines
Explanation: As the song progresses through the actions of the bus’s journey, children get familiar with sequential order and routines.
Real-World Application: Establishing routines at home, like having specific times for meals, play, and sleep, can be more easily understood and accepted by children.
Example Lesson: Language Development
Explanation: The repetitive and rhythmic lyrics help in building vocabulary and phonemic awareness, crucial for early reading skills.
Real-World Application: Children can practice phonics and pronunciation through sing-alongs, enhancing their verbal skills and preparing them for academic learning environments.
Example Lesson: Motor Skills Development
Explanation: The interactive elements like 'swish swish' for wipers or 'beep beep' for horn encourage children to perform these actions, aiding in motor skill development.
Real-World Application: Such activities can translate into better physical coordination and can be practiced during playtime or physical education classes.