Flannel/Counting Rhyme: One Little Engine

While putting together a "Things That Go" storytime, I was disappointed not to find any counting songs that had to do with trains. So I wrote one! This works as a fingerplay or as a flannel rhyme. Depending on my audience I use the actions below or I use a flannel pattern inspired by Donald Crews' Freight Train, simply pulling out five of the cars. And then, sometimes, I just go ahead and use both!
     
     One little engine pulls one little car.
     With right hand hold up one finger (the engine), 
     place one finger of left hand next to it (the car)
     Down the tracks they go traveling far!
     Tickle child from neck to the knees and up again
     They stop at a station.
     Knock hands together holding up fingers for engines and cars
     They get a new friend.
     Put up another finger on the left hand
     There they go down the line again!
     Tickle child from neck to the knees and up again
     Choo choo!
     Raise your arm and pretend to blow the train whistle

     2 cars...3 cars...4 cars...

     One little engine pulls five little cars
     With right hand hold up one finger (the engine), 
     place five fingers of left hand next to it (the car)
     Down the tracks they go traveling far!
     Tickle child from neck to the knees and up again
     They stop at a station.
     Knock hands together holding up fingers for engines and cars
     Their journey ends.
     Put down all fingers
     Tomorrow they’ll start over again!
     Palms out flat
     Choo chooooooo!
     Raise your arm and pretend to blow the train whistle

Use with "Things that go", trains, counting, or even color themed storytimes.