Introduce vocabulary to the students and
have them guess what the story will be about based on the
Tell students they will go on a trip
on the Polar Express and give them train tickets for their
here). Add your own text to the text box on tickets
(ex: children's names, class name, destination, etc.)
Polar Express Word Search
Polar Express Crossword
After watching the movie, compare
and contrast the book to the movie using a
Reader's Response Bookmark - have students respond to the
prompts on the bookmark in their reader's response notebook
(or whatever other system you use).
Story Strips to Sequence - Put on sentence strips
Story Book from Ms. McGowan - For students to color.
Fill out the
story map for the book.
Letter to Santa - Use the reproducible to write a letter
Imagery - The author uses lots
of imagery to help set the setting and action. Download the
cards and distribute to students. Have each student draw a
visual of phrase on their card to illustrate what the author
is trying to say. Remind students to practice using
imagery when they do their own writing.
Metaphors/Similes - The author
uses metaphors and similes to make the story more exciting
instead of using plain and boring language. Remind students to
use metaphors and similes in their writing to make their
news article about the Polar Express, answering the 5 W's:
who, what, where, when, and why.
Graph the following:
- Who believes in Santa Claus?
- Who has traveled on a train?
- Who celebrates Christmas?
- What's your favorite holiday?
Polar Express math problems.
Practice telling time using hands-on
Express - Read online by Lou Diamond Phillips
- Geography - locate the North Pole
- Science - What is the Great Polar
- Study the
animals that live there
- Polar Express - Exploring the polar
student activity sheet
- The water cycle - how is snow
- Study reindeer and their life cycle
- Learn about trains as a form of
- Children in this country believe in
Santa Claus. In other countries or cultures, children
believe in other figures. Read stories on the Three
Kings, Old Befana, etc.