Trains, trams and buses

Young children love noisy, mechanical things that move fast. Trains, buses and trams are commonly used as public transport. Many children use them to travel to and from childcare.

In early childhood settings, trains and buses are popular themes for play. Without any adult direction, children may line up chairs or boxes as seats for passengers. 'Wheels on the bus' is one of the first songs that Australian babies learn.

EYLF learning outcomes

Children are surrounded by transport. The Early Years Learning Framework has the learning outcome of children being connected with their world (2). Learning about public transport helps children develop a sense of belonging to communities (2.1).

Buses, trams and trains connect children to technologies (4.4). Dramatic play encourages curiosity, imagination (4.1), problem solving, and experimenting (4.2).

Learning experiences

Make announcements

Children can make their own pretend megaphones using rolled-up pieces of paper. They can use these to role play being a public transport driver, making announcements to their passengers.

"All aboard!"
"We are arriving at the next station."
"Keep your feet off the seats and put your litter in the bin."

Explore public transport maps

Look at Australian transport maps. Let the children make observations and ask questions, and use these as a starting point for further investigations. You may have maps for your town or city, but there are some online too:

Play a transport action game

Make a bus or train by lining up chairs. One child is the driver. When each child steps on the bus, they have to pay the driver and perform an action (e.g. act like a dog or clap hands). Everyone who is already sitting on the bus has to copy them.

Make a box train

A box train is a line of cardboard boxes that are big enough for a child to sit in. The children can rearrange the "carriages", paint them, and stick paper plates to the sides for wheels.