I believe The Polar Express by Chris Van Allsburg is just PERFECT for doing a holiday book study with your students. I just LOVE this picture book because it brings a touch of magic to your classroom.
If you are not familiar with The Polar Express, it is a classical story about a young boy struggling to decide if Santa is real. At one time, he adored Christmas, but as he is getting older, he is beginning to doubt the magic. To his amazement, he discovers the Polar Express train is waiting to take him on a magical journey to the North Pole.
My absolute favorite lines in the book are the last three:
At one time, most of my friends could hear the bell, but as years passed, it fell silent for all of them. Even Sarah found one Christmas that she could no longer hear its sweet sound. Though I’ve grown old, the bell still rings for me, as it does for all who truly believe.
The Polar Express works for just about any grade level and can be adapted for many learning styles. You can teach many reading objectives, concepts, and strategies with this magical book:
- Making text-to-self connections
- Determining importance
- Sequencing
- Main idea
- Figurative language
- Visualizing
- Summarizing
- Critical thinking
- Written expression
- Opinion writing
- and SO MUCH MORE!
To set you on your own fantastic journey, here are a few free Polar Express resources to compliment your book study celebration:
My Favorite Part of the Polar Express
Memory Game with Comprehension Extension
I hope you enjoy using these free Polar Express resources in your classroom. If they are a good fit for your classroom, check out my Polar Express Reflection Journal and my 136 page Polar Express MEGA BUNDLE.
What is your favorite part of The Polar Express?
Best wishes!
