The Little Engine That Could Reading Comprehension Questions
by Watty Piper
Book Summary
A train full of toys and good food breaks down on its way to deliver goodies to children. Several larger, more powerful engines refuse to help. Finally, a small, optimistic engine, despite her size, takes on the challenge, repeating 'I think I can!' as she pulls the heavy train over the mountain, successfully delivering the much-anticipated cargo.
Reading Comprehension Questions
Use these 8 questions to check understanding and spark deeper thinking about The Little Engine That Could.
1.What was inside the train that broke down?
2.Which engine said it was too important to help the broken train?
3.What did the Little Blue Engine say as she pulled the train up the mountain?
4.Why do you think the Little Blue Engine decided to try and help the train?
5.What lesson does the story of The Little Blue Engine teach us?
6.In the story, the children were "delighted" to see the train. What does "delighted" mean?
7.What was your favorite part of the story and why?
8.The Little Blue Engine kept saying 'I think I can.' When have you said 'I think I can' to do something hard?
Key Vocabulary
Important words from The Little Engine That Could to discuss with your child.
Discussion Prompts
Great conversation starters for parents and teachers reading The Little Engine That Could with children.
What was your favorite part of The Little Engine That Could? Why did it stand out to you?
If you could talk to any character from The Little Engine That Could, who would you choose and what would you ask them?
How did The Little Engine That Could make you feel? Can you describe a moment that surprised you?
Would you recommend The Little Engine That Could to a friend? What would you tell them about it?
What lesson or message do you think Watty Piper wanted young readers to learn from this story?
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Frequently Asked Questions
What reading level is The Little Engine That Could?
The Little Engine That Could by Watty Piper is recommended for grades K-1 readers with an AR level of 2.2. It's an excellent choice for building reading comprehension skills at this level.
What are good comprehension questions for The Little Engine That Could?
ReadBuddy provides 8 carefully crafted comprehension questions for The Little Engine That Could, covering literal comprehension, vocabulary, and inference skills. These questions help students engage deeply with the story.
How can I use The Little Engine That Could for reading practice?
Read the book together or independently, then use ReadBuddy's comprehension questions to check understanding. Focus on vocabulary words, discuss character motivations, and encourage your child to make connections to their own experiences.
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