Cultivating hobbies early in life sustains a healthy lifestyle way into old age. One of my friends told me how his interest in trains led him to join a club. To this day, in his retirement, he enjoys time with his club buddies building miniature trains and stations. They even travel together doing train shows which he says is very fulfilling especially when he sees the interest in young children.
Trains played an important role in building Canada.
Canada’s first Prime Minister, John A. MacDonald, built the railway to connect the east coast to the west coast and help transport people and things. He also created the North West Mounted Police (Now known as the RCMP) to protect the area.
Check out my Prairie Collection for related activity sheets such as Math Across the Prairies.
Trains have wide appeal regardless of age or gender.
Any parent or teacher will attest to children having hours of fun building trains tracks with brio. I remember them having favourites such as Thomas the tank, Toby the Tram Engine, Daisy the Diesel Railcar and Annie the Coach.
Explore any one of the historic railway museums in your area. There is something for everyone!
· BC Port Moody Station Museum
· Alberta Camrose Heritage Railway Station
· Saskatchewan Railway Museum
· Manitoba Miami Station Museum
Ride the train like the famous J.K. Rowling whose ideas for the Harry Potter series began whilst travelling on a train. Enjoy the ride, the scenery and get your creative juices flowing.
Noteworthy: Germany is running the world's first long-distance, all electric passenger train powered by zero-emission hydrogen. (Dreamscapes Spring/Summer 2021)
Trains can offer many enjoyable opportunities to engage as a family whether it involves playing with a train set, visiting a local train station or traveling by train. Hope on board and explore the possibilities!