Are you ready to take your classroom on an exciting journey? With the help of this polar express lesson plan, you and your students can explore a magical world full of adventure! This post will introduce you to activities that are perfect for getting children excited about the beloved story while helping them build important literacy skills. From crafts and writing exercises, each activity in this lesson plan has been designed with fun and education in mind – making it easy for both teachers and students alike to make sure they get off their own version of The Polar Express! So all aboard – let’s get rolling!
What is the lesson of the Polar Express?
The lesson of the Polar Express is that Christmas is a time when people should come together to celebrate peace, love, and goodwill towards others. It's also a time when believers should reaffirm their faith in Santa Claus and the magic of Christmas.
Related: The Night Before Christmas Lesson Plan
What is special about the Polar Express?
The Polar Express is special because it's a magical Christmas story that comes to life. The train takes kids on a journey to the North Pole to meet Santa Claus, and every child who rides the train gets a gift from Santa. It's a wonderful story that brings happiness to children during the holiday season.
What age is Polar Express for?
The story of The Polar Express is one that appeals to people of all ages. It takes us on a journey to remember the magic and wonder of Christmas when we were all children waiting for Santa to come. Whether you're 5 or 95, this book or movie is sure to bring out the kid in you.
Polar Express Christmas Pajamas
Spread some holiday cheer this season with these Family Polar Express Christmas Pajamas! These customizable comfy festive pajamas look great and will always be a great addition to learning about the classic holiday movie. They come in kid and adult sizes, so the whole family can stay snuggly and warm during chilly winter evenings.
Related: 25 Days of Christmas Books for Children
Polar Express Mug
This Polar Express Mug is the perfect way to make your lesson plan and your movie nights feel special. Made from high-quality stainless steel, this mug is sure to stand the test of time. Enjoy your favorite hot chocolate or coffee while learning or watching the classic holiday film with this tasteful mug that you’ll want to use again and again!
The Polar Express Lesson Plans
Exploring the book The Polar Express can be fun and educational. Try out these three Polar Express crafts and activities and see how they can help children explore the text further through reading, writing, and creative hands-on fun.
Invite your child to explore the book The Polar Express and then dig into the text further with these fun lesson plans.
Related: Easy Preschool Christmas Crafts
Activity One: Create Your Own Map
Supplies needed
Directions:
1. Let children think about where they would like to take The Polar Express to. Where would they go? What would the trip look like? What would they see outside of the windows? Brainstorm for a few minutes.
2. Get out the poster board and start making your own map. You can take a look at maps online or in books to get an idea of what they look like.
3. Start creating bends and curves on the paper and a picture of the Polar Express if you wish. You can even add the North Pole sign you made above to the map if you wish.
4. Display your map when done or invite children to show it off and explain the route to family and friends.
Related: Elf Lost His Magic! How to Restore Elf on the Shelf Magic
Activity Two: Writing Reflection
In the story, the main character gets a small silver bell as their first Christmas gift. Have your child think about some of the first Christmas gifts they ever received. Have them create a journal entry that tells all about these gifts. They can answer questions such as how the gift looked, how it made them feel, who gave it to them, and where that gift is now.
Supplies needed:
Journal or writing paper
Pen or pencil
Crayons
When done, the child can also try drawing a picture of the gift. Have them share this project with others.
Related: Best Writing Workbooks for Homeschooling
Activity Three: DIY North Pole Sign
Supplies Needed
Related: 33 Easy Kids Christmas Crafts
Directions
Begin by applying two coats of white paint to one of the craft sticks. You only need to paint one side. Allow the stick to dry.
While the stick dries, cut out the top of your North Pole pole by cutting out a circle from your yellow felt. A small one cut to fit the top of the stick will do.
Apply red lines to the white stick as shown. This will give it a candy cane effect. Allow the red paint to dry thoroughly.
Add a dab of glue to the yellow felt and press it to the top of your red and white painted stick.
Take your scissors and snip the ends off of the other white stick. You will need a small rectangle to finish your sign.
Use the marker to write “North Pole” on the sign and then glue it to the top of the red/white painted pole.
Your North Pole sign can now be displayed. Place it in a cupcake, plant, or anywhere else you need some festive cheer.
DIY North Pole Sign
Spread some holiday cheer with your own DIY North Pole sign! This fun and festive craft is the perfect way to make the season special.
Materials
- 2 wide wood craft sticks
- Red, white craft paint
- Yellow craft felt
- Marker
Tools
- Paint Brush
- Scissors
Instructions
1. Begin by applying two coats of white paint to one of the craft sticks. You only need to paint one side. Allow the stick to dry.
2. While the stick dries, cut out the top of your North Pole pole by cutting out a circle from your yellow felt. A small one cut to fit the top of the stick will do.
3. Apply red lines to the white stick as shown. This will give it a candy cane effect. Allow the red paint to dry thoroughly.
4. Add a dab of glue to the yellow felt and press it to the top of your red and white painted stick.
5. Take your scissors and snip the ends off of the other white stick. You will need a small rectangle to finish your sign.
6. Use the marker to write “North Pole” on the sign and then glue it to the top of the red/white painted pole.
Your North Pole sign can now be displayed. Place it in a cupcake, plant, or anywhere else you need some festive cheer.
Recommended Products
As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Additional activities you may try:
-Have kids design their own Polar Express train tickets
– Go visit a real train and compare and contrast it with the Polar Express
– Watch the movie and compare it to the book
– Write another few pages to the story
What did you think of our polar express lesson plan? We would love to hear about your experience and of course pictures in the comments below. Be sure to check out our other holiday-themed lesson plans! Merry Christmas and happy learning!
Leave a Reply