Chris Van Allsburg is an author/illustrator who is familiar to many young children. This project will enable children to become more familiar with books written and illustrated by Chris Van Allsburg with special emphasis on The Polar Express. Children will do a search on Chris Van Allsburg to find background information about him and his books.

They will read the personal information found in his biography and locate titles of books written and illustrated by him. They will become familiar with using the net to search for relevant information on the topic provided as well as recording the information.

   Curriculum Connections

Main Curriculum Areas:

• Language Arts
• Art
• Technology

School Curriculum

• Integration of several subject areas.
• Students directed learning.
• Integration of technology into the curriculum.
• Ensuring that the unit is grounded in provincial ILOs.

Intended Learning Outcomes:

Language Arts:

Students will:

• Use reading as a stimulus for writing or talking.
• Understand and use the language of writing. (Drafting, revising, publishing)
• Listen with appreciation to various literary forms.

Art:

Students will:

• Create stories visually.
• Demonstrate basic competencies in art skills and techniques by drawing.
• Painting and creating characters from Van Allsburg's books.
• Demonstrate pride of craftsmanship in finished products.

Technology Education:

Students will:

• Develop a vocabulary of terminology and language related to the selected communication technology.
• Conduct net searches.
• Download and/or print files.

   Resource Connections

The Stellar School Internet Connection will provide access to information that would not be readily available using traditional means. Students will be able to visit the Author Search Web Site and e-mail the author. Without the Stellar School program our school will not have the finances necessary to provide Internet access in the future.

   Evaluation

• Students will become acquainted with and use e-mail.
• students will read books written and illustrated by Chris Van Allsburg, concentration on The Polar Express, identifying favourite characters and situations and giving reasons for preferences.
• Students will write stories which take them through the writing process.
• Students will illustrate stories demonstrating their art skills and techniques.

This project will allow students to become familiar with Chris Van Allsburg and his many accomplishments.