Two J. Harvey Rodgers School teachers and Principal Aaron Edwards magically made "The Polar Express" come alive for kindergarten students recently.
Edwards donned a train conductor's hat and stamped golden tickets that were issued to Alisa McDermott's and Erin Pimpinella's students as they entered the classroom for their language arts adventure.
The teachers followed up by projecting "The Polar Express" story on the wall using HoverCam Technology. The HoverCam enabled students to both hear and see the story.
Afterwards teachers engrossed students with creative learning activities. Near the end of the day, students received their very own bell, just like the reindeer bell that the little boy received in "The Polar Express" story.
"The Polar Express," by Chris Van Allsburg, tells the tale of a boy's journey on a mysterious train ride to the North Pole. When the boy leaves the North Pole, he is allowed to choose one present to bring home. The boy chooses a reindeer bell.
Teachers invited students to write about the gift they would have chosen and draw an illustration. Students also explained problems/solutions presented in the book, and retold the beginning, middle and end of the story.
Perhaps their favorite activity was making a Polar express train out of graham crackers, icing and candy. "The Polar Express" children's book was later turned into a popular, computer-animated movie featuring the voice of