The Polar Express Experience

The Polar Express, written by Chris Van Allsburg, is a winter reading classic. The timeless tale chronicles a little boy’s journey to the North Pole, where he meets Santa and receives the first gift of Christmas. The beautiful illustrations and rich dialogue bring the magical story to life; weaving a world of wonder and holiday spirit. The story serves as a springboard for the imagination and the inspiration for a number of great lessons and activities.

Holiday Spirit Memories

Kicking off an activity related to the Polar Express can start with a festive reading of the picture book. There are many ways to introduce students to the magic of the story. My personal favorite is to have a PJ day and have students sit in a circle to listen to the story. After finishing the story, I bring out a large shining jingle bell. We then check to see if we can hear the bell. Next, we take turns sharing a favorite holiday moment or heartwarming experience. For older students, we share articles and personal experiences that represent the season of giving and the “holiday spirit.”  

Sequence and Flip Book Retell

Using miniature versions of pivotal illustrations, students can cut out and arrange the images into a mini-book of the story sequence. I like to have the last image reflect the little boy being given the chance to ask for the first gift of Christmas. Students then create the last page of the mini-book to depict what they would ask for, if they were in the main character’s place.

Making a Train

The Polar Express is a grand and amazing train that sparks student interest in trains and railways. My students loved creating their own little Polar Expresses. We collected average sized boxes from a local moving company. We then assembled (taped and stapled) the boxes folding the top and bottom flaps inward so that the box could be stepped into and pulled up and around a student. Next, using tempura paint we painted the box/engine (black) and a series of small paper plates (six black for wheels, one yellow for the front of the train). Additional detailing could be added using grey paint or attaching construction paper. You could also explore parts of trains from the past and present. Our completed trains made great reading spots and “seats” for viewing the movie version of The Polar Express.

Railway Field Trips

If you are near an active railway, this could be a great field trip destination. In Williams, AZ the Grand Canyon Railway gives children the chance to ride the Polar Express. The train departs from the Williams station and visits the “North Pole.” Along the way, families and groups listen to the story, enjoy holiday snacks, and join in caroling.  

Movie Magic

As a culminating activity, you can create a cinematic experience in which students can watch the movie version and enjoy holiday treats. My class enjoyed comparing elements of the written and film versions, and sharing the elements they enjoyed most from each. 

More Great Polar Express Lessons:

Polar Express Lesson Plan 

After writing and illustrating their wish for the first gift of Christmas, students retell the story. The lesson includes a variety of ideas for using technology tools to record and share student retellings. 

Author Study: Chris Van Allsburg

Students discover more about The Polar Express author by examining his books, and investigating linked sites. They then complete a survey of his selected works and answer a series of author study questions. 

Imagination Express

After being introduced to The Polar Express students create their own tale of a wondrous journey. A number of extension options are included, such as playing Conductor Says which is similar to Simon Says.