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The Polar Express: A Story and Some Play

Reading The Polar Express has become a holiday tradition for us. I started it last year and it was so fun that I was quite excited for it this year! I have bells that I hide behind the book to use as we read the story. His eyes light up when he hears the bells and starts looking for them. I hold them in my hand and hide them when he looks! It is really magical for him! After the story I give him a bell just like the little boy in the story.
Jake had to read the book to me after I finished! He has become a great "reader!" He is retelling stories by looking at the pictures and he has some books memorized. He also uses the pictures to read stories that he does not know! It is wonderful to sit and listen to him read! I really think letters and words are his strength over numbers. We will see, of course, but he really enjoys books!
Next we did some imaginary play! Jake initiated this and I couldn't have been more proud! :) He is pretending to be the conductor in the picture above! He is shouting, "All aboard!" He then went over to the bed in the back, jumped on and proceeded to tell me to do the same. Once I was on the bed he asked for my ticket and gave me a snack. 

He then jumped off the "train" and put on his Santa hat. He held up the bell and exclaimed in a deep voice, "The first gift of Christmas!" While holding up his bell. I couldn't stop smiling! He was retelling the parts of the story in order and with enthusiasm!  
 
We had to get back on the train after saying goodbye to Santa (he threw down his hat). He quickly said, "All Aboard!" And we were off! Once "home" he started asking for his bell (which was in his hand). I took me a second to realize he was still retelling the story so I played along by grabbing a gift box from our Sensory Box and put the bell inside and handed it back to him. He opened the box, shook the bells and told me I couldn't hear the sound! ;)

Then we started all over again! It lasted about an hour! Over and over again we played The Polar Express! It was the most fun I have had in a while! If you have not read The Polar Express, or if it has been a while, it is a must for this time of year! Then try some imaginative play!




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  1. Monkey's MommyDecember 16, 2011 at 4:11 AM

    I absolutely love all your ideas...The Polar Express is one of my favorites...although I haven't found it here on the island :(

    It is so fun reading what you do with your kids.

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  2. Beth (www.livinglifeintentionally.blogspot.com)December 16, 2011 at 9:42 PM

    What fun - we just got through watching the Polar Express for family movie night tonight!! Super cute - wanted to invite you to link up at TGIF linky party - http://livinglifeintentionally.blogspot.com/search/label/Linkey%20Parties
    Beth =-)

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  3. UnknownDecember 18, 2011 at 12:37 AM

    Can you believe I have never read this book yet??? Nor seen the movie!!! Might have to go borrow it from the library :) Isn't it magical watching our little ones play? I love just sitting and watching my girls somedays...they are so fun!

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