The Little Engine That Could: A Classic Kids Book Read Aloud

“I think I can, I think I can.” This iconic phrase from The Little Engine That Could has resonated with generations of children, inspiring them to believe in their own abilities and persevere through challenges. The story, written by Watty Piper, is a timeless classic that teaches valuable lessons about determination, kindness, and the power of positive thinking.

The Story

The story follows a small train tasked with carrying toys and food to children on the other side of a mountain. The train is struggling to make it up the steep incline and eventually breaks down. Larger, stronger engines pass by, but they all refuse to help, declaring the task too difficult. The little blue engine, however, steps up to the challenge, despite its size and apparent limitations.

As the little engine struggles to pull the heavy train up the mountain, it repeats the phrase “I think I can, I think I can.” This positive self-talk fuels its determination and helps it overcome the obstacles. The engine keeps repeating these words, gaining strength and momentum with each repetition.

Finally, the little engine reaches the top of the mountain, successfully delivering the toys and food to the waiting children. The story concludes with the triumphant little engine being hailed as a hero, proving that even the smallest can achieve great things with perseverance and a positive attitude.

The Lessons

The Little Engine That Could offers several valuable lessons for young readers:

• Perseverance: The story emphasizes the importance of not giving up, even when faced with seemingly insurmountable challenges. The little engine’s determination to keep going, despite its doubts, is a powerful message for children.
• Self-Belief: The little engine’s positive self-talk plays a crucial role in its success. By believing in its ability to overcome the obstacle, it empowers itself to achieve the impossible.
• Kindness: The little engine’s willingness to help, even when it could have easily refused, demonstrates the importance of kindness and compassion. It shows that even small acts of kindness can have a significant impact.
• The Power of Positive Thinking: The story highlights the impact of positive thinking and its ability to motivate and inspire. The little engine’s constant repetition of “I think I can” serves as a powerful reminder that our thoughts can shape our actions and outcomes.

Why This Story Matters

The Little Engine That Could is a beloved children’s story for a reason. Its simple yet powerful message resonates with readers of all ages. The story’s themes of perseverance, self-belief, and kindness are timeless and relevant to everyone’s lives. It serves as a reminder that we all have the potential to achieve great things, regardless of our size or perceived limitations. By believing in ourselves and staying positive, we can overcome any obstacle and reach our goals.

Reading Aloud

Reading The Little Engine That Could aloud to children can be a fun and engaging experience. The story’s simple language and repetitive phrases make it easy for young listeners to follow along. The story’s themes can also spark conversations about important life lessons and inspire children to believe in themselves.

Here are some tips for reading The Little Engine That Could aloud:

• Use different voices for the different characters in the story. This will help to bring the story to life and make it more engaging for listeners.
• Encourage children to join in with the repetitive phrases, such as “I think I can, I think I can.” This will help to make the story interactive and memorable.
• After reading the story, discuss the themes with children. Ask them what they learned from the story and how it might apply to their own lives.

Conclusion

The Little Engine That Could is a classic children’s story that continues to inspire and delight readers of all ages. Its themes of perseverance, self-belief, and kindness are timeless and relevant to everyone’s lives. By reading this story aloud to children, we can help them develop important life skills and believe in their own potential to achieve great things.