The Boxcar Children® in the Classroom

The Boxcar Children have been a teacher-favorite since the very first book, which Gertrude Chandler Warner wrote for her students. She knew the vocabulary and content were appropriate for young readers—and that they would relish the Boxcar Children’s independence and opportunities for adventure. Today, teachers and librarians love the series for the message of teamwork and empathy, because even when the Boxcar Children uncover the villain of the mystery they’re solving, it’s more than just that: they care about the person and situation, and they work hard to set things right again.

Explore the easy ways to tie The Boxcar Children into your classroom discussions and activities.

New! Curriculum Guide

In celebration of the 75th anniversary, we’re pleased to offer common core-aligned lesson plans to be used with the original Boxcar Children mystery. Designed for easy implementation, experienced educators developed this full, chapter-by-chapter curriculum guide and corresponding workbook that you can can download free for use in your classroom!

Download the Curriculum

Common Core

The Boxcar Children conforms with Common Core standards. This helpful teacher’s guide provides the tools to use The Boxcar Children in your classroom.

Common Core Explanation
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State Standards
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Common Core Teachers Guide
Download

Activity Sheets

Once your classroom has read the books, keep the fun going with these downloadable activities.

Puzzle Activity Guide
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Recipe Activity Guide
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Craft Activity Guide
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Have your students read them all? Use this handy Checklist.

Download the title checklist.Every title, every series, in order.

The Boxcar Children