I have a confession: I am THAT MOM. I like to turn everything we go to into a THING. Going apple picking? We first must learn the parts of an apple, the life cycle of the tree, and sing songs about Fall. Heading out for a fun day tubing at Powder Ridge? We should learn about what goes into making snow and weather first!
Taking the Polar Express? CLEARLY we need to spend all week reading the book, watching the movie, and doing a billion learning activities.
What I’m saying is that I think a lot of Holiday Magic comes from anticipation.
And if they learn something along the way? Well, that’s just an added bonus 🙂
If you, like me, like to build anticipation around holiday spirit (or just want to briefly distract your kids so you can wrap a few presents), we have a round up for you. All of them are free and easy to download and link to the person who created them. There are things for Math, ELA, and just for fun!
Enjoy!
ELA/Reading Polar Express Activities
I See The Polar Express Mini BookÂ
This freebie from Teachers Pay Teachers is one of our favorites. It’s super simple and a great coloring activity. Both my kids really liked “reading” (it was more memorizing, but still) the book themselves too! The pages helped prep them for what they were going to see on board as well.
Polar Express Sequencing Printable
Help kids remember parts of the story with this great sequencing printable!
Write a Letter to Santa
A great tie in- especially since many CT holiday train/ trolley experiences involve a place to drop your letter to Santa!
Riding the Polar Express Freebie
This is great for older kids (well, first and second graders). It includes a TON: Retelling (beginning, middle, and end)Story Elements (character, setting, problem, solution), The First Gift of Christmas writing, How to Make Hot Chocolate writing and more!
Polar Express Math Activities
Marshmallow Math
Another TPT Favorite- our kids really liked being able to eat the marshmallows, and we paired it by making our own hot cocoa.
Polar Express Hundreds Chart
Polar Express- Do you believe? Your kiddos will be ringing their bells when doing this Polar Express Train Hundreds Chart hidden picture. A great class activity to go along with your Polar Express unit and festivities.
Polar Express Coloring Pages
Who doesn’t love to color?!?!
Polar Express Ticket Printable
Want to make your own Polar Express experience (maybe watch the movie, then take the kiddos on a surprise car ride or walk around to look at lights?) Here’s a fun ticket printable to make things even more festive!
Make Your Own Train Engineer’s Hat Printable
Do you need a low prep December craft for your preschoolers, kindergartners, and first graders? Are you having a Polar Express party or Christmas train activity day? These free printable train engineer hats are the perfect craft to add to the fun!
Got a free activity you love? Share it in the comments so I can pop it on the list, or email Kate@Kidtivity.com!
