It's really that simple...
 *  One Great Story
 *  Multiple Readings
 *  Fun & Educational Follow-up Activities

Beyond the Book 

Each Beyond the Book Download Includes:
  • Getting Started - an introduction to the Read it Again method
  • Comprehension Questions  -  A list of  questions that tap into different levels of understanding and foster conversations about the story
  • ​Vocabulary Flashcards - Along with the flashcards, you'll also receive ideas for putting the cards to use in multiple ways
  • Writing - We provide an image and story prompt designed to extend the theme of the story. No we don't expect your child to write just yet. Instead, you can take down the dictation of the story your child tells.
  • Story Elements Page - Understanding what makes a story a story is an important skill.  This activity asks your child to identify the following: characters, setting, problem, solution, favorite part, and summary.
  • Cooking ideas related to the story
  • Art ideas related to the story
  • Links to  Great Games,  toys, manipulatives, and movies
  • Information on the Research behind ReaditAgain​

Important Note: This download does not include the book, only the resources listed above. The book may be purchased separately by clicking here. ​​
Limited Time Only - Regular Price is $3.99
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​Click HERE to see what's included with each download purchased.
Please note that you are purchasing the resources only.
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How to "Read it Again"

 1. The first time you read the book, try to read it all the way through without stopping. 

2. After reading, go back into the story and ask your child to tell you what the story was about or ask your child to explain what's happening within  of specific illustrations.

3. Over the course of the next week, try to fit in two to three more readings of the book. It's okay to read the book multiple times a day... we actually encourage it! After each subsequent reading, ask comprehension questions.

or...

4. Consider taking your child's learning to the next level by purchasing the our Beyond the Book Resources. Each download ($2.99) includes multiple educational activities created specifically for that book.
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​5. It’s within this layering of reading and follow-up activities that the real magic happens.

Why I Love This Book

When I was a child, this sweet book was a part of my own personal library. First published in 1930, it's truly stood the test of time. "I think I can, I think I can..." is a common chant to most adults and it's a bit of self-talk that we should probably teach all children.

Fun Fact: The author's actual name was Arnold Munk rather than Watty Piper. He was one of the owners of Platt & Munk the company that actually first published the book.

Themes 
Perseverance 
​Overcoming Obstacles
​Kindness
Actions Speak Louder than Words

Awards & Accolades
NEA Teachers' Top 100 Books for Children

Teachable Moments
This book offers multiple opportunities for learning that go far beyond what's printed on the page or seen in the illustrations. Here's a small sample:

  • ​​​Parts of a Book (Cover, Title, Author, Illustrator, Spine, End Papers...) 
  • Story Structure (Characters, Setting, Plot...) 
  • New Vocabulary  
  • Order of Events 
  • Numeral Recognition & Counting 
  • Character Traits / Feelings 
  • Order of Events /Plot T
  • The Power of Repeated Words and Phrases - "I think I can. I think I can"
  • Problems & Solutions​

Little Engine Themed Toys

Adding an element of play is yet another way to deepen the understanding of the concepts introduced within the multiple readings of the story. You'll be surprised at the amount of learning that's transferred and reinforced through  imaginative play.
 Click an image to learn more.
Why I Love These Specific Playthings:
  • Each item has a direct connection to The Little Engine That Could.
  • There are no batteries.
  • They encourage imaginative play.
  • They make it easy to re-enact the story.
  • ​They take the learning another step forward.
Please note that these are affiliate links.
If you purchase anything through any of my  links, you won't pay a penny more, but I'll make a small commission which helps me keep the lights on.



Animal Train Sort & Match the Cards 
​$35.68
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​Wooden Train Set 
$45.99


Wooden Jigsaw Puzzles w/ Storage 
​$13.99
"Children are made readers on the laps of their parents." — Emilie Buchwald