Video: Saltillo Students Take a Ride on ‘The Polar Express’

[syndicaster id=’5500765′]

SALTILLO, Miss. (WCBI) – Over the years we’ve seen and read classic Christmas stories. Now, teachers at Saltillo Elementary are using the holidays to give students a unique way to learn with a ride on the “Polar Express.”

Before these third graders can take their seats on the Polar Express, they have to take a quiz.

“They have to answer various questions from the different stories this week,” said Vanessa Washington, Language Arts teacher.

The students have read three Christmas themed books, “The Night Before Christmas”, “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” and “The Polar Express.” With ticket in hand, each student is asked questions. With each correct answer the kids boarded “Miss Washington’s Polar Express.” Just like the movie, these passengers got hot chocolate and bells were handed out. A conductor even stamped their tickets.

At Saltillo Elementary, the arts are used to reinforce lessons and help students do more than memorize words and facts.

“They need to be able to use these words in context and in everyday conversation,” said Washington.

For students, it was a change of pace from hearing the holiday classics.

“I learned about Christmas and how the Grinch stole Christmas, in Polar Express, only the ones who truly believe can hear the bells,” said one student.

After reading the stories, teachers say they hope the children will now read on their own and let the most magical time of year spark their imaginations.

This was the first year Saltillo students were able to take a ride on “The Polar Express.”