The weeks leading up to winter break can be tricky—students are excited, energy is high, and focus can be a challenge. But this time of year is also the perfect opportunity to bring a little magic into your lessons with the captivating stories of Chris Van Allsburg.
If you’ve never taught with Van Allsburg’s books before, you’re in for a treat. His stories, like The Polar Express, Jumanji, and The Stranger, are rich with themes, characters, and imagery that can spark curiosity and creativity in your classroom. In this post, I’ll share a simple, no-prep way to start teaching with Chris Van Allsburg’s books—and then introduce you to a ready-made resource to take your lessons to the next level.
Step 1: Choose a Chris Van Allsburg Book
Start by selecting one of his iconic books. If you’re new to his work, here are a few great options:
- The Polar Express: Perfect for the holiday season, this story is a magical journey that inspires imagination.
- Jumanji: A thrilling adventure that invites discussions about consequences and creativity.
- The Stranger: A mysterious tale that opens the door to discussions about perspective and inference.
If you don’t already have the books, check your school or local library, or you can find them on Amazon here:
Step 2: Focus on a Key ELA Skill
Chris Van Allsburg’s stories are perfect for teaching essential ELA skills. Here are a few ideas:
- Character Descriptions: Use The Stranger to analyze the mysterious main character and how the author’s descriptions build intrigue.
- Sequence of Events: Retell the story of Jumanji in order, focusing on how each event builds suspense.
- Personification: Discuss how inanimate objects come to life in The Polar Express or Jumanji.
Choose one skill to focus on for the week, and design activities around that concept.
Step 3: Create a Class Discussion or Activity
After reading the story, spark engagement with a simple activity:
- Discussion Questions:
- What do you think motivates the characters in this story?
- How would the story change if it were told from a different perspective?
- Graphic Organizers: Have students use a T-chart to compare and contrast two characters or events.
- Creative Extension: Ask students to write an alternate ending or create a short comic based on the story.
These activities can be done with minimal prep and lead to rich discussions and creative thinking.
Want to Go Deeper? Check Out My Chris Van Allsburg Lesson Resource
If you’re looking for a more structured way to teach with Van Allsburg’s stories, I’ve created a resource that includes everything you need. It’s packed with 10 engaging activities and lessons aligned to his most beloved books, including:
- The Garden of Abdul Gasazi
- Jumanji
- The Stranger
- The Polar Express
Here’s what’s included:
- A PDF with handouts for each activity
- A Google Slideshow with detailed teacher directions and visuals
- Lesson topics like comparing/contrasting, sequencing, and writing a diamante poem
- A fun art project where students create Fritz, Van Allsburg’s famous dog
This resource is perfect for keeping your students engaged and learning during the holiday season!
Click here to grab it and bring the magic of Chris Van Allsburg into your classroom.
Make This Winter Memorable
With a little creativity and the timeless stories of Chris Van Allsburg, you can make the weeks before winter break a season of meaningful learning. Start with a book, focus on a skill, and let the magic unfold!