Introduction
The Polar Express is a beloved children’s book and movie that provides a magical and heartwarming story, making it an ideal topic for an ESL lesson plan. This lesson plan aims to engage students in language learning through the enchanting tale of a young boy’s extraordinary train journey to the North Pole. By incorporating vocabulary, listening, and reading activities related to The Polar Express, students can improve their language skills while immersing themselves in a captivating narrative. This ESL lesson plan not only fosters language development but also encourages creativity and imagination, making it an exciting and valuable addition to the classroom curriculum.
Vocabulary Building
Vocab
Vocab |
Definition |
|---|---|
Train conductor |
The person who is in charge of a train and responsible for its operation. |
Ticket |
A piece of paper that gives the holder the right to enter a place or use a service, in this case, to board a train. |
North Pole |
The northernmost point on the Earth, where Santa Claus is said to reside in folklore. |
Bell |
A hollow metal object that makes a ringing sound when struck, often associated with Christmas and trains. |
Magical |
Relating to or resembling magic; producing extraordinary wonder or delight. |
Contextual Usage
1. The train conductor welcomed the passengers aboard the Polar Express.
2. The children clutched their tickets tightly as they eagerly waited to board the train.
3. The children were filled with excitement as they journeyed towards the North Pole.
4. The sound of the bell echoed through the train, filling everyone with joy.
5. The children experienced a magical adventure on their way to meet Santa Claus.
ESL Warm-up Activity
To set the tone for the lesson, begin with a captivating warm-up activity. Create a “Ticket to Ride” game where students receive a paper “ticket” upon entering the classroom. The ticket can have a destination written on it, such as “North Pole,” and students must find their “train” (designated area of the classroom) based on their ticket. This activity not only introduces relevant vocabulary like “ticket” and “destination” but also gets students excited about embarking on their own imaginary train journey, mirroring the adventure in The Polar Express.
Main ESL Lesson Activities
Vocabulary Activity: All Aboard the Word Train
Divide the class into small groups and provide each group with a set of vocabulary cards related to The Polar Express, such as “conductor,” “ticket,” “bell,” etc. Each group must take turns to pick a card and create a sentence using the word. Encourage discussions about the meaning and context of each word.
Listening Exercise: Sound of the Bell
Play a short audio clip of a train bell ringing or any other relevant sound. Ask students to close their eyes and visualize the scene from The Polar Express that corresponds to the sound. Then, in pairs, have them discuss what they imagined and share their thoughts with the class.
Roleplay Activity: Journey to the North Pole
Assign roles from The Polar Express, such as the boy, conductor, or Santa Claus, to different students. Have them act out a scene from the story or create their own dialogue based on the characters’ personalities and motivations. This activity encourages creativity and language expression.
Reading and Writing Task: Letter to Santa
Ask students to imagine they are on board The Polar Express and have just arrived at the North Pole. Instruct them to write a letter to Santa Claus describing their journey and expressing their holiday wishes. This activity combines reading comprehension with creative writing skills.
ESL Homework Assignment
For homework, students are encouraged to write a short story or create a drawing depicting their own magical train journey. They should incorporate at least five new vocabulary words learned from The Polar Express ESL lesson plan. This task allows students to reinforce their understanding of the lesson content while expressing their creativity. Additionally, they can practice using the new vocabulary in context, further solidifying their language skills.
Conclusion
Summary
The Polar Express ESL lesson plan has provided an engaging and immersive experience for students to learn and practice English language skills. Through vocabulary building, listening exercises, roleplay activities, and reading and writing tasks, students have delved into the enchanting world of The Polar Express while expanding their language proficiency.
Reflection
As students reflect on this lesson, they can recognize how the new vocabulary and language elements from The Polar Express story have enhanced their language development. They have not only improved their English skills but also honed their creativity and imagination. By applying these language elements in various activities, students have gained a deeper understanding of the language in context, which is essential for their overall language development.
Why this topic is great for ESL learning
Engaging Content
The Polar Express ESL Lesson Plan offers a captivating and relatable topic for ESL learning. The enchanting story captures students’ imagination and keeps them engaged throughout the lesson, making the language learning experience more enjoyable and effective.
Cultural Relevance
The theme of The Polar Express, centered around a magical train journey to the North Pole, provides an opportunity for students to explore Western holiday traditions and folklore, thereby broadening their cultural knowledge and understanding.
Language Application
The story’s rich vocabulary and descriptive language allow students to expand their English language skills in a context that is both meaningful and memorable. This topic encourages students to apply new words and expressions in various activities, fostering practical language use.
