Parent & Educator Guide
Talia and the Time Train
Purpose: Talia and the Time Train uses an imaginative journey to help children explore time, memory, and how choices shape relationships and the future. This guide provides simple science connections, SEL alignment, discussion questions, and ready-to-use activities for home or classroom use.
The Science of the Time Train Metaphor
1) The Arrow of Time
In the story, the train moves forward on a single track. Just like time moves from past to present to future. The Now car is where Talia stands. The Past cars hold memories. The Future cars are empty because they have not happened yet.
2) Memories vs. Real Moments
Talia can see past events through the windows, but she isn’t inside those cars anymore. This helps children understand, memories can be felt and learned from, but we can’t physically re-live a moment.
3) Why She Can’t Go Back
Talia wonders if she could jump off the Now car and reach a Past car. The voice explains she would have to move faster than the speed of light. In our real world, scientists haven’t found a way for people to do that, so traveling back into the past isn’t something we can do. (In stories, we can imagine it to help explain big ideas.)
4) Choice, Cause, and Effect
Only in the Now car can Talia make new memories and help decide what future cars will look like. When she chooses to apologize and think before she speaks, the story shows how one choice can shape what comes next.
SEL Skills Alignment (CASEL-Aligned Competencies)
Self-Awareness
Talia notices how different memories feel joy, excitement, regret. Children practice naming feelings like disappointment, pride, and hope.
Self-Management
Talia moves from wishing she could erase a moment to choosing a better action now apologizing and thinking before speaking. Children learn they can’t change the past, but they can change what they do next.
Social Awareness
Remembering her friend’s hurt feelings helps Talia understand that words affect others. Children learn to consider how someone else might feel.
Relationship Skills
Talia apologizes clearly. Her friend listens. They decide to play again. The story models how honesty, empathy, and changed behavior can repair trust.
Responsible Decision-Making
Talia uses a hard memory to guide a better choice. Children practice thinking about outcomes instead of reacting in the moment.
Discussion Questions (Ages 7–10)
- If you had a Time Train, what are three Past cars you’d be curious to look into? Why?
- Is there a Past car that feels uncomfortable, like Talia’s? What could it teach you about what to do now?
- What does the Now car represent in your life today at home, at school, or with friends?
- The Future cars are empty. What moments would you like to fill your Future cars with?
- How did apologizing change Talia’s Time Train? How might apologizing help one of your relationships?
Classroom & Home Activities
Activity 1: Draw Your Time Train
Draw three connected cars: Past, Now, and Future. In each car, add a picture or words for:
- One important memory
- One thing happening right now
- One hope or goal for the future
Activity 2: Choice → Future Car Map
Pick one small choice from today (how you talk to a friend, how you handle frustration). Draw or write one Future car that could come from that choice. Include feelings and outcomes.
Activity 3: Repairing a Past Car
Discuss a time someone made a mistake and repaired it with an apology or changed behavior. Create a “Before” and “After”, one car showing the hurt, and one car showing the repair.
Activity 4: Time Train Reflection Circle
In a circle, each child shares:
- One Past car they feel proud of
- One Future car they hope to build
Key message: Everyone always has a Now car where better choices can start.
Key Message for Adults: This story gives children a concrete way to think about time: the past cannot be changed, the present is where choices happen, and the future is still being built. With open conversations and simple activities, children can connect memory, emotion, and responsibility , one Now moment at a time.
