Polar Express by Chris Van Allsburg is a classic children’s book that is beloved by many, both young and old alike during the holidays. In preschool and kindergarten, you can read high-interest picture books, like Polar Express, to engage your kids in fun activities and enhance learning in a variety of ways.
Here are some of my favorite activities you can use to get started with holiday learning and fun.
Polar Express Activities for Preschoolers
Encourage preschoolers to think critically as you read the story Polar Express aloud by asking open-ended questions. Why do you think that happened? What is the boy doing? Why do you think he did that? What would have happened if…? Asking questions will help your kids develop strong literacy and comprehension skills.
Hot Chocolate Stand (Pre-K Pages) – Hot chocolate dramatic play theme for your preschool, pre-k, or kindergarten classroom
Foil Bell Ornament (Little Bins for Little Hands) – Make this easy tin foil bell ornament to go along with the book. Can you hear the bell ring? I still can!
Polar Express Discovery Bottle (Sunny Day Family) – This activity is fun for little train lovers all year round, and also makes a great holiday or birthday gift!
Polar Express Party (Mama Papa Bubba) – Learn how easy it is to throw your own Polar express party!
Check out this research-based, playful learning unit in our curriculum shop!
The Ultimate Pre-K Christmas Activities Bundle
19 of our most popular Christmas theme resources, including math, literacy, and dramatic play! Make learning fun with this hands-on bundle!
Jingle Bell Magnet Science (Fun-A-Day) – Make your own easy magnet wands with some simple popscile sticks and let your little ones explore the fun of magnet science with jingle bells.
Polar Express Train Craft (Sight and Sound Reading) – Grab some construction paper and have your little ones create their own Polar Express with moving wheels!
Hot Chocolate Party (Still Playing School) – Before sitting down to watch the movie, have your little ones work on their fine motor skills and host their own hot chocolate party.
Activities Related to The Polar Express
Conductor Lantern (Ready Set Read) – Reuse those old plastic cups to have your little ones make their own conductor’s lanterns just like in the movie.
Masking Tape Train Track (Adventures of Adam) With a little masking tape, create a train track and recreate the movie in your own livingroom.
Fake Snow Slime (Little Bins for Little Hands) – Make your own winter fun with our super easy homemade fake snow slime recipe.
Jingle Bell Abacus (Powerful Mothering) – Make a Christmas abacus by using popsicle sticks, pipecleaners, and some jingle bells.
Hot Chocolate Play Dough (Fireflies and Mudpies) – With a few pantry staples, make this hot chocolate play dough. And it includes a recipe for making marshmallows to go along with it.
Snow Dough (Imagination Tree) – Just 3 ingredients is all you need to make this glittery snow dough.
How to Make Fake Snow (Parenting Chaos) – You will be so amazed at what you use to make this fake snow!
Printable Gingerbread House Recipe
You can get access to the free printable gingerbread house sequence cards below. Simply fill out the form and the printable will be emailed to you.
