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Luke's Train Invention

The -tion Ending 3rd Phase 5
Luke's Train Invention
Luke's Train Invention, page 1
1Luke stood in his room with a big plan. He wanted to build a grand toy track across the floor. This would be his best invention yet. He had a green toy train that could run on its own.
Luke's Train Invention, page 2
2Now, he just needed to lay the wooden tracks so the train could go to the main station. First, Luke laid out a large portion of the track. He laid the long paths. Then, he built a track junction where the train could turn this way or that.
Luke's Train Invention, page 3
3Close to the turn, he set up a small flag with a suction cup on the base to keep it upright. On the flag, Luke wrote a short caption that said, "GO!" Next, it was time to see his invention in motion. Luke turned the tiny button on the train. The engine hummed.
Luke's Train Invention, page 4
4He put the train on the track and watched the action. The train went fast down the long track, but it stopped at the curved section. The wheels spun and spun, but the train did not move. "This is a hard snag," Luke said. The train did not have enough traction on the smooth wood.
Luke's Train Invention, page 5
5There was too much friction when the wheels tried to turn. Luke sat on the floor and sighed. He had to find a way to make the wheels grip. His sister Gwen walked into the room. She looked at the stopped train. "Do you have a way to fix it?" she asked. Luke thought fast.
Luke's Train Invention, page 6
6He did not want his train to just be a useless toy that did not really run. He wanted a real train that could function. "I have a plan," Luke said. He did not mention his plan to Gwen yet. Instead, he grabbed a roll of sticky tape. He cut tiny strips of tape.
Luke's Train Invention, page 7
7He carefully wrapped a portion of tape around each wheel. This was his big mission. Luke placed the train back on the curved section. He flipped the button. The train moved a fraction of an inch, and then the tape gripped the track! The train went around the curve with speed.
Luke's Train Invention, page 8
8The tape gave it the traction it needed to overcome the friction. The train sped past the flag and the junction, and ran perfectly past the station. Gwen clapped her hands. "Your invention is a win!" she yelled. Luke smiled. His train was finally in full motion, and his big mission was done.
Circle or highlight all the words that end in -tion in the story above. How many did you find?

Comprehension Questions

After reading, ask these questions to check understanding:

  1. What color is Luke’s toy train?
  2. Why did Luke’s train stop at the curved section?
  3. What did Luke put on the wheels to fix the train?
Keep practicing
Practice The -tion Ending with 4 more free worksheets

The words from this story, on printable practice sheets:

Word sortPhrasing cardsRapid naming chartWord search
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Reader Details

Phonics Skill The -tion Ending
Grade Level 3rd
Phase Phase 5
Worksheets The -tion Ending Worksheets

Target Words

action motion station fiction lotion potion section mention caption fraction friction mission

Sight Words

the a and to was is it she he they said have with you are of for her there one into what when out about

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About This Decodable Reader

“Luke's Train Invention” is a free printable decodable reader designed for 3rd students practicing the -tion ending phonics patterns. This mini-book uses phonetically controlled vocabulary so beginning readers can successfully sound out nearly every word in the story, building confidence and reinforcing the specific phonics skills they're learning.

The free PDF is a full-color illustrated mini-book: a cover, eight picture pages with one or two lines of story text each, and a back page listing the the -tion ending words, high-frequency words, and discussion questions. Print the five sheets, cut each one in half along the dashed line, and staple — your child has a real little book to hold. A read-aloud version with one large page per sheet is also included for projecting to the whole class.

This reader is part of our collection of 221 free decodable readers organized by phonics skill and aligned with the Science of Reading. For additional practice with the -tion ending patterns, try our the -tion ending phonics worksheets which include word sorts, phrasing practice cards, and rapid naming charts.