Are you looking for some Trains thematic unit ideas to use in your classroom? Create a thematic unit about Trains across all the curricular areas.
From literature list to art projects, have your students explore the theme of Trains. Check this list to explore some wonderful Trains unit ideas that can be used with this exciting theme.
1. Trains Themed Literature Lists
A Trains thematic unit has so many wonderful choices for literature. You could create a literature-based thematic unit based on one of the numerous Trains themed stories. Here are just a few Trains books.
Trains Literature List
- The Little Engine That Could by Watty Piper
- Freight Train by Donald Crew
- Steam Train, Dream Train by Sherri Duskey Rinker
- Locomotive by Brian Floca
- The Polar Express by Chris Van Allsburg
- The Little Train by Lois Lenski
- Sleep Train by Jonathan London
- Trains by Susan E. Goodman
- The Little Red Caboose by Kristen L. Depken
- Curious George Takes a Train by Margret and H.A. Rey
- Train by Elisha Cooper
- Tootle by Gertrude Crampton
- Two Little Trains by Margaret Wise Brown
2. Trains Language Arts Centers & Activities
There are numerous language arts centers and activities that can be used with a Trains thematic unit. From classroom made books to phonic games students will enjoy the variety of centers and activities while learning about Trains. Check out this list!
Trains Themed Language Arts Centers & Activities
- Trains Writing Word Bank
- “Riding On a Train” Classroom Book
- “Trains Senses” Student Booklet
- Trains Student Story
- Trains Story Elements Graphic Organizers
- Trains Beginning, Middle & Ending Story Graphic Organizers
- Trains Sequence Story Retelling Graphic Organizers
- Trains Beginning Sound Capital & Lowercase Match Games
- Trains Make a Short Vowel Word Family Game
- Trains Short Vowel Sounds Roll It! Read It! Words & Sentences
- Trains Rhyming Word Games
- Trains Build a Word Game
3. Trains Mathematics Centers and Activities
Let us look at some Trains mathematics centers and activities that you could use with your students. These activities could be used by lower elementary students, along with special education students depending on their skill level. Try one of these Trains thematic unit math activities with your students!
Trains Themed Math Centers & Activities:
- Trains Counting Student Booklet
- Trains Ten Frame Roll & Cover Game
- Trains Number & Number Word Match Game
- Trains Counting Games
- Trains Number & Ten Frames Matching Game
- Trains Roll & Cover Math Games
- Trains Addition & Subtractions Facts Clip Game
- Trains Build 2-Addend Addition & Subtraction Sentences
- Trains Build 2-Addend Addition & Subtractions Sentences with Ten Frames
- Trains Build 3-Addend Addition & Subtraction Sentences
- Trains 5 In a Row Math Game Cards: 2 & 3 Addends
- Trains Roll & Bump Math Games: 2 & 3 Addends
4. Trains Science & Social Studies Centers & Activities
Trains are a great theme to do investigations in science and social studies. There are several Trains activities that you can do with your students that promote learning in these areas. Here are some suggestions for you!
Trains Themed Science & Social Studies Centers & Activities
- Trains Writing Word Bank
- “Trains Senses” Student Booklet
- “Riding On a Train Classroom Book
- Trains vs Cars Venn Diagram
- Trains Story
- Railcar Size and Weight Different Freight
- Wheel Rail Dynamics
- Trains Mushrooms
- Trains Around the World
- Train Report
5. Trains Art & Technology Centers & Activities
Who does not love to see beautiful Trains art projects? Students would love to create Trains themed art projects along with using technology to work on learning skills in this theme. Look at these ideas for you!
Trains Themed Art & Technology Centers & Activities
- Shape Train Art Project
- Q-Tips Train Art Project
- Cork Train Art Project
- Candy Train
- Train Track Wall Art
- Trains Letter & Sound Match BOOM & Task Cards
- Trains Counting Google Slides
- Trains Build a Word BOOM Cards
- Trains Number & Ten Frame Match BOOM & Task Cards
- Trains Patterns BOOM Cards
In summary, there are many engaging Trains thematic unit ideas. You and your children can explore the units with books, centers, and activities. Whatever theme you choose, your students will have a wonderful time discovering the literature and activities you choose.
To read more topics about thematic units check out my blog, “Why Use Thematic Units In Your Classroom or Home School?”
