Lesson
1: Chris Van Allsburg and The Polar Express
Overview of Lesson
Students will be introduced to the poster and illustrated
book, The Polar Express by Chris Van Allsburg. They
will investigate and compare the two through discussion and
will read and discuss his Caldecott Metal acceptance speech
for The Polar Express. They will also write a short review
that compares the book and the poster.
Lesson Objectives
- The students will demonstrate an understanding of ways
corresponding artworks and books created by the same person
reflect the times, places, and cultures in which they were
created (art history).
- The students will respond to corresponding artworks and
books created by the same person with beliefs about their
meaning, purpose, and value, supported by persuasive reasoning
(art criticism and aesthetics).
- The students will communicate interpretive responses to
corresponding artworks and books created by the same person,
supporting their interpretations with compelling reasons
(art criticism).
- The students will express personal responses to The Polar
Express through a persuasive writing.
Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills
(TEKS) for Art
6.1, 6.2, 6.3, 6.4
TEKS for Reading and Language Arts,
Grade 6
6.8 (C), 6.12 (H), 6.14(B), 6.15(A), 6.15 (B)
Materials and Resources
Planning and Preparation
Read the book The Polar Express, the Background Information,
and the Student Reading (Caldecott Metal Acceptance Speech
by Mr. Van Allsburg). Make a classroom set of copies of the
speech and copy the discussion questions (without responses)
on a transparency. |
