Gingerbread Week!

This week we spent time reading several versions of The Gingerbread Man! We read one book each day, and as a class we filled out a comparison anchor chart so that we could compare and contrast each story we read. The students then had their own journal to fill out each day! They did great!

We focused on characters, setting, the refrain and how the story ended. Below is our comparison anchor chart (excuse my handwriting!), and a sample of a journal page!

About a week before this unit, I sent home a blank gingerbread man for my students to disguise, because Mr. Fox was going to be lurking around the halls on Monday, looking for a treat! That day, my kiddos used this prompt, "I'm not a gingerbread man! I'm a ____!" and they proceeded to describe themselves vs. a gingerbread man. They were so stinkin' creative!

(don't you just love all the Christmas friends above??!)

We did a graphing activity. I gave each child a gingerbread cookie, and they took one bite. We graphed which part each child took a bite of! (head, left arm, right arm, left leg, right leg). Then on the back there were several graphing questions they had to answer.  

Then we did Abby's Gingerbread Science to find out what would happen if the Gingerbread Man fell into the river! The kids were so into this activity!

Here is what he looked like right when he fell in!

And after!

And to end our fun week, we made milk carton gingerbread houses! This is a VERY much anticipated activity and I don't know how many times I heard, "This is the best day EVER!" :) I always love seeing how different every house looks! And it's funny, because their houses tend to match their personalities :)

**I always use 2 milk cartons per child, and I send a note asking that each child bring 1 package of graham crackers, 1 large bag of candy, and 1 tub of icing**



I was one exhausted teacher after this activity, and I am sure my adult helpers were too! I recommend having several adults come to help for this activity! I have 6 table groups in my room, so I had one adult per table and it was fabulous! Thanks to all my helpers :)

8 more school days until break....