Public Transport Adventure
Here's What To Do
1
Plan a trip for your child to experience riding public transportation, like a bus, train, tram, light rail, or ferry.
2
Describe all parts of the trip as you experience them. Tell your child where you're going and how you're getting there.
3
If possible, sit near a window. Hold your child so they can look outside. Describe what you see out the window.
4
Celebrate with your child when you arrive at your destination!
Put PEER Into Action
P
Pause:
- When the vehicle arrives, get down on your child's level and say "here we go!"
E
Engage:
- Describe where you're going, like: "We just got on the number 1 bus which goes uptown. We're going to ride it for 10 stops, and then get off. We're going from our house to grandpa's house!"
- Describe what you see outside, like: "That building there is the library where we read books. Do you see the traffic light? That tells cars where to go."
E
Encourage:
- Follow your child's gaze. Describe what they're interested in.
- If your child begins to be fussy on the trip, try singing to them or playing peekaboo.
R
Reflect:
- When you arrive at your destination, tell your child why you liked going on an adventure with them.
Not quite ready?
Take your child to a public place and describe what is happening around you.
Ready for more?
Help your child explore public transit with more independence. Let them help purchase tickets and tell you about the exciting things out the window.
As your child masters this skill...
They will use public transit to explore their surroundings with an adult.