Wheels on the Bus

A bus ride full of sounds

A bus moves along the road with people travelling inside. Its wheels turn round and round, while the wipers swish from side to side. The doors open and shut as passengers get on and off. The driver rings the bell, and the horn makes a sound to warn people nearby. Babies may cry, parents may talk, and the passengers move up and down as the bus travels. Each sound and action returns in a steady pattern, making the rhyme easy for young children to join in. The bus keeps going through the town until the ride comes to an end. Lesson: We can enjoy familiar routines by watching, listening and taking part.

Read, sing and talk together

Begin by showing the bus picture and asking your child what they notice. Read or sing the rhyme slowly, using hand actions for the wheels, wipers, doors and bell. Pause before a repeated sound so your child can finish it. Ask simple questions such as, "Who drives the bus?" and "What opens and shuts?" Let your child make the sounds without worrying about singing every word correctly. After reading, ask them to retell two or three actions in their own order. Talk about safe bus behaviour, such as sitting properly, waiting for the bus and holding an adult's hand near the road.

Activities for little passengers

Use the colouring sheets to talk about the bus colour, windows, wheels and people inside. Ask your child to match objects with their sounds, such as wheels with turning and a bell with ringing. A picture ordering activity can help them place bus actions in a sensible sequence. Trace simple lines that look like roads, wipers or tyre tracks. Count the wheels, windows or passengers together if your child is ready. For a movement break, pretend to drive, stop, open the doors and ring a bell. On a real bus ride, invite your child to spot the driver, doors, seats and route board.