Polar Express Math Activities (2024)

A couple years ago, I found myself strictly looking for Polar Express MATH activities. You see, I was teaching 4th grade, and my school decided that every single teacher had to do some sort of Polar Express Activity for their class. The only problem was, I taught 4th grade math to multiple classes all day.

After searching all over for the perfect Polar Express math activity for 4th grade, I was left empty handed. There were no activities geared toward just math, and most of the Polar Express activities were for primary students.

As a result, “The Polar Express Math Adventure” was born.

3 Polar Express Math ideas that can be easily implemented are listed below. These activities are perfect Polar Express activities for grades 3 – 5.

1. REMEMBER – The teacher creates the excitement.

It can be tempting to try to make every single activity apart of our theme. As a result, you may spend time & money printing off activities that aren’t necessarily educational OR fun.

First, the most important thing to remember is that YOU create the excitement! While it can be hard to find activities that align, the easiest way to make things fun is to BE the fun, so to speak!

Here are some Polar Express ideas that require no pencil or paper.

• You can dress up as a character from the Polar Express.
• Make hot chocolate and use measuring cups and spoons to incorporate math skills.
• Order bells in bulk and give each student their own bell! This link has bells for less than .50 each, for example.
• You can wear Polar Express PJs and let the students do the same.
• You might open up Pandora, and play the Polar Express soundtrack during class.
• Each student receives their very own Polar Express boarding pass! For instance, here are some ready print & editable ones in this resource.

2. Think outside the box.

Let’s remember, it is Polar Express day in your math class! Have fun and think outside the box. Polar Express math activities don’t always have to be so “structured” so to speak.

Have you used STEM bins? Kids love becoming engineers to create different structures. Why not allow them to do that with a Polar Express math theme?

First, the kiddos are given random math manipulatives to explore. Next, they use “build it” cards to construct different Polar Express themed tasks. The kids love it, and it brings some Polar Express Math fun into the classroom!

For your free copy of the Polar Express Math Build it Cards, join our newsletter to gain access to the Freebie Vault. This member’s only area contains these and many more freebies!

3. Go on a Polar Express Math Adventure!

Students should be learning and having fun at the same time. It is possible!

To learn more about the Polar Express Math Adventure, take a look at this short video where you will see how students use their math skills while they take an adventure to the North Pole via the Polar Express!

You can bring some Polar Express math excitement for your students by using the link below!

CLICK HERE to download the Polar Express Math Adventure!

Looking for more winter themed activities? Check out 5 ways I use winter background PowerPoint templates during this time of year.

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