The Polar Express Diorama & Activities
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All Aboard: Exploring The Polar Express with Hands-On Creativity!
Growing up, an annual reading of The Polar Express was a Christmas tradition for me. Now that I have kids of my own, it is so much fun to share this story with them in our home (and being homeschoolers, in our “school,” too!)
Written and illustrated by Chris Van Allsburg, this beloved Christmas story is a magical tale about a young boy’s journey to the North Pole aboard a train that shows up at his house after dark. Combined with its mysterious and magical illustrations, the book’s themes of belief, wonder, and the magic of Christmas have captivated young readers since 1985! My children have already read it multiple times this year, attesting to the story’s ability to withstand the test of time.
This wondrous Christmas story also offers an opportunity to bring literature to life through hands-on activities, especially if you homeschool and are looking for some fun ways to engage with books during the holiday season! Today, we’ve got a fun craft to go with this book: a Polar Express diorama.
In this post, you’ll find step-by-step instructions and a free template to build your own paper model of this famous Christmas train. And of course, we’re also including plenty of other fun and simple ideas for the whole family to enjoy some hands-on learning with this Christmas classic!
The Story of The Polar Express
If you don’t already have your copy of The Polar Express on standby, let’s refresh! The story follows a young boy who, on Christmas Eve, boards a train bound for the North Pole. Along the way, he meets other children, drinks some amazing hot chocolate, marvels at the wonders of the journey, and ultimately receives a very special gift: a silver bell from Santa’s sleigh. The boy treasures the bell, which rings only for those who truly believe in the magic of Christmas.
The story’s timeless message about childlike belief, paired with Van Allsburg’s stunning illustrations, makes it a favorite for families everywhere during the holiday season. Even though it’s approachable for young children, this book is also one that older kids can read and enjoy. Today, we’re sharing instructions (and a template) for a diorama that brings The Polar Express to life, as well as several other simple, hands-on activities to make Christmas memories and provide some fun engagement with this book.
Why Make a Polar Express Diorama?
Dioramas are a fantastic way to bring literature to life. They allow children to put themselves into the story, visualize key moments, and express their creativity. Crafting a diorama is a multi-sensory, hands-on learning experience that can help a child develop fine motor skills. It also encourages teamwork and following instructions, and fosters a deeper connection to the story.
Lastly, it creates a visual that will remind them of their reading adventure (and this time of year can double as Christmas decor!)
Hands-on activities like dioramas are especially perfect during the holiday season. They offer an opportunity for families to slow down, bond over a creative project, and fully immerse themselves in the magic of Christmas. They also offer various tasks that can be collaborated on by most ages. By encouraging children to bring the story to life through art and imagination, you’re fostering a love for reading as well as enthusiasm for learning and creativity.
Scroll down to get straight to the diorama, or keep reading for some other fun ways to extend this classic Christmas story!
The Polar Express Activities for All Ages
Reading and Discussion (All Ages)
Read The Polar Express aloud as a family and talk about the story’s meaning. What does the bell symbolize? How does the boy’s belief in magic change throughout the story? Encourage everyone to share their thoughts, over a cup of hot chocolate, of course (it is impossible to read this book without wanting hot chocolate).
Creative Writing and Art (All Ages)
Prompt older children write a journal entry from the perspective of the boy, describing his feelings during the journey. You could ask them to focus on one part of the journey in particular, adding more details to that scene.
Younger children can draw a picture of their favorite part of the story, including themselves in it! Have them tell you why they would have enjoyed this part the most.
Learn More about Trains (All Ages)
Explore the science behind steam engines, like the one in The Polar Express. For example, you could watch a video or conduct a simple experiment with steam to demonstrate how trains worked in the past. Alternatively, could watch videos about the history of trains and how this impacted history in general. This can be catered to different ages and levels, but it definitely provides an opportunity to study trains, which have been important parts of both science and history (and which most kids seem to love).
Christmas Snacks (All Ages):
- Serve hot cocoa and cookies during story time, just like the children enjoy on the train.
- Make bell-shaped sugar cookies to tie into the story’s theme. You can use any simple cut-out sugar cookie recipe that you like. If you’re gluten-free, like I am, I suggest this one.
Simple Bell Ornament Craft (All Ages):
The magical bell at the end of The Polar Express always appeals to kids, and it’s easy to make your own bell ornament! This quick and easy activity is perfect for all ages and adds a special touch to your Christmas tree. Simply pick out a ribbon that you like and get some jingle bells. Thread the ribbon through and tie it in a knot! This is an ornament that you can pull out every time you read the book! (Can everyone hear it? That means everyone believes!)
The Polar Express Diorama
Are you ready to learn how to make The Polar Express Diorama? While I encourage you to make this project your own in whatever way you like, our template and supply list/instructions offer a great place to start! Here’s what you’ll need:
List of Supplies
This beautiful hardcover edition of The Polar Express is the perfect gift for all those—of any age—who believe, come Christmas Eve, that they too will hear the sweet sound of a reindeer’s silver bell. This edition includes a keepsake ornament.
A young boy, lying awake one Christmas Eve, is welcomed aboard a magical train to the North Pole . . .
Through dark forests, over tall mountains, and across a barren desert of ice, the Polar Express makes its way to the huge city standing alone at the top of the world, where the boy will make his Christmas wish.
For millions of readers around the world, this mysterious journey to the North Pole has become a beloved Christmas classic. In this thirtieth-anniversary edition, the inimitable artistry of Chris Van Allsburg is showcased with a bold new jacket design and expanded interior layout.
The Polar Express is a Caldecott Medal winner, and reading the story together is a beloved holiday tradition held by generations of families. It has also become a favorite holiday movie and been translated into stage productions that take place across the United States during the holiday season.
Polar Express Diorama Instructions
The scene we have selected for this project shows The Polar Express traveling through a forest of fir trees late at night! Children will love getting to build their own train for this project!
We hope our The Polar Express mini-unit study and diorama craft inspire your family to explore the magic of this timeless story. By combining literature with creative and hands-on activities, you’re fostering not just a love for reading but also a sense of wonder and imagination that will last a lifetime.
What is your family’s favorite book to read this time of year? How do you make the experience extra magical?
Check out our other storytime dioramas!
Stellaluna Diorama and Mini Unit Study
The Very Hungry Caterpillar Diorama
