I had just written a blog about studying the North Pole and as I was talking about it with my husband who should walk in buy my night owl son? His newest fascination with life and literature is Chris Van Allsburg’s The Polar Express. He can be heard walking down the hallways singing some version of the hot chocolate song from the popular movie. So it only came naturally that as I thought about today’s activity, I should write about The Polar Express.
Preschool: Dramatic Play
Get a large refrigerator box or several medium sized boxes and make yourselves a train! You can re-create scenes from the book, decorate the train and take on the different roles of the characters.
Elementary Age: Field Trip
Plan a field trip to a local train station. I also have to mention that if you live near New York City, you should plan a trip to the New York Botanical Gardens for the Holiday Train Show. It is nothing short of incredible!
Art
Make paper snowflakes. Talk about how they are all unique and encourage complex designs. Snowflakes are also a great way to talk about symmetry.
You can also make bookmarks from scenes in The Polar Express.
Geography and Critical Thinking
Use a map and trace a journey from your house to the North Pole. How far is it? Can a train alone make the journey or do you need to take another mode of transportation?
Literature
Check out other books by Chris Van Allsburg. For a complete list, visit ChrisVanAllsburg.com.
Writing
One of the many cool features of the aforementioned ChrisVanAllsburg.com is that you can submit a story. Apparently one story is featured every month.
I am sure that once you enter the world of Chris Van Allsburg, you will undoubtedly be as entranced as we are.
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