The last week of school was filled with surprises. First, we made an adorable brick snowman to give to our parents. The idea came from my friend Becca who made them with her class when she taught 3rd grade. On Wednesday, at lunch time, I converted the desk into the Polar Express with the help of a fellow teacher, Tara. I boiled water for hot cocoa with marshmallows and candy cane stir sticks. My students had no idea any of this was taking place. When lunch was over I met my students outside the door with my train whistle and tickets to board the Polar Express. They were so excited. I served hot cocoa, punched their ticket, and read the story aloud. In the background, I had train sounds playing from the computer as I read. It was so cool and a lot of fun. After I read the story I passed out a little booklet that I created with questions about the Polar Express. The students enjoyed doing their work aboard the train. As I said goodbye to the students I passed out cookies tied with ribbon that read Believe and a bell. Of course, these were not all my ideas. I'm not that creative. I borrowed them from a fabulous teacher in Michigan. Her name is
Beth Newingham. Be sure to check out her website.
Parent gift ready to go home.
26 excited students waiting to board the Polar Express.
Drinking hot cocoa and listening to the story.
Working on the Polar Express booklet.
Cookies for all who BELIEVE!
On Friday, before our pizza party, we watched the Polar Express in 3D. This was another surprise for the students. They loved it and so did I!!!
Parent gift ready to go home.
Drinking hot cocoa and listening to the story.
Working on the Polar Express booklet.
Cookies for all who BELIEVE!
On Friday, before our pizza party, we watched the Polar Express in 3D. This was another surprise for the students. They loved it and so did I!!!
That was so awesome that you did that for the kids Lisa! I'm sure it's something they'll remember all their lives!
ReplyDeleteSo fun!! I miss the classroom so much when I remember the little things like this!
ReplyDeleteI love the Polar Express. My first year teaching SDC I read the book, did activities, and watched the movie. Maybe next year I will do it again and add in all your cute ideas.
ReplyDeleteI'm sure your kids loved it. I believe!!
It was a lot of work but worth every minute. The students loved it and so did I. One student told her mom that it was the best day of her life. That night she made her family watch the movie while they drank hot cocoa with marshmallows. Another student told his grandmother that I was the best teacher. I hope it will be something they remember about 3rd grade.
ReplyDeleteAwesome stuff Lisa! Your snowmen came out great too! I did them with my kindergarteners this year! They took so much pride in them! I wasn't sure how it would work out with such young ones. As for the Polar Express theme... love it! Looks like you had a great time figuring it all out and I'm more than sure the kids all enjoyed themselves! Great job getting them into the magical spirit of Christmas! :)
ReplyDeleteWhat a GREAT thing you did for your kids! You are an awesome and thoughtful teacher!! We need more of you in the world!
ReplyDelete