Gather the students and sit in a large circle. Lead them in a personalized version of "The Wheels on the Bus." Start by singing the traditional version of the song. When the students seem ready, have each child make up a verse by filling in the blanks: "The ______ on the bus go(es), _____, _____, _____." After each child shares his new verse, have the group try singing it together. If a child seems shy, let him ask a friend for help or sit quietly.
Either find or create a writing practice page with the letter "s" or "b" on it with a picture of a school bus. Students should color the school bus thoroughly and trace the letter given. Have them practice writing four or five of their own letters. Explain that the letter "s" makes the initial sound in the word "school,"or if using the letter "b," explain that it makes the initial sound in the word "bus."
Obtain two large sheets of yellow butcher paper. Draw a large bus on each one and invite the children to sit around the drawings on the carpet. Give each child the opportunity to draw a self portrait in one of the windows of the bus. When the children are finished, hang the bus murals on an empty wall in the classroom. (See Resource 2.)
Cut the top off of a clean egg carton and discard. Flip over the bottom half and paint it yellow. Using black construction paper, cut out two half dollar sized circles to use as wheels on the bus. Using craft or school glue, adhere the black circles to the first and last bumps on the bottom row of the egg carton. Cut off one bump in the top, right hand corner. Cut out pictures of people from magazines or old yearbooks to fill in the windows. (See Resource 1.)