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This project is a K-2, learner-centered, thematic unit introducing children to the classic Gingerbread Man theme including stories from around the world. As you read these stories, children will learn about the cultures of different countries.
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The theme in the classic folktale, Gingerbread Man, has universal appeal. Below are versions of the story as told in different countries as well as other English language variations. These different versions provide a great opportunity for cross-cultural activities. Check out the links below for more information. To purchase any of our recommended books from Amazon go to our Book List.
The Runaway Latkes (video and more)
Kolobak, The Rolling Pin (Russian folklore)
Matzo Ball Boy (activities for)
Runaway Rice Cake (lesson ideas from Learning to Give)
Runaway Tortilla (ideas for classroom use by the author - in pdf format)
Gingerbread Cowboy (summary and lesson ideas - in Word format)
Musubi Man (Hawaiian version with compare and contrast activities)
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Cream together first 6 ingredients. Add egg and mix. Add molasses and mix again.
Mix together flour, baking powder and baking soda in a separate bowl. Sift. Add to the creamed mixture and stir until well blended. Chill 1 hour.
Preheat oven to 375 F. Roll out dough 1/4 at a time to 1/8" thickness or slightly thicker on a lightly floured board. Cut with a cookie cutter and transfer to a greased (or non stick) cookie sheet.
Repeat with remaining dough. Before baking, decorate with raisins as you like.
Place in oven for 8 - 10 minutes.
Cool on a wire rack
Decorate with icing, m&m's, chocolate chips or any other items you wish.
Gingerbread babies printable template
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from http://www.dltk-kids.com/crafts/miscellaneous/mgingerbread.html
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Provide the children with a Gingerbread Man Template. |
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Ask the children to imagine what a modern gingerbread man might look. like |
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Have them decorate and color their modern gingerbread man. |
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You may want to provide some magazine clippings of modern clothes or some shiny stickers to help them decorate their gingerbread man. |
Print out the templates below. Have children color them. Attach popsicle sticks, tongue depressors or straws to make puppets.
Old Man and Gingerbread Man
Cow and Old Woman
Horse and Dog
Fox and Pig
Oven and Cottage
After children have made their paper gingerbread babies prepare a number of things for them to measure using their babies -- Have students write down their answers.
For example:
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1. Mount a gingerbread cookie man template on the chalkboard Gingerbread Man Template. Have the children identify and label the parts as follows:
2. Pass out the Gingerbread Man cookies you made with your students. Ask them to choose the part they would like to eat first. Have them right it down or circle it on a labeled handout.
3. After or while the cookies are being eaten assist each child in taking the "Eating a Gingerbread Man Cookie Survey" below, recording which cookie part they chose to eat first. (If possible, use your classroom computer with a projection screen so everyone can watch the results being recorded.)
4. To see the results of your survey comes to life view the bar graph before, during and after each recording.
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Arrange a series of picture cards in logical order to create the story from beginning to end.
This gives the children the chance to demonstrate and reinforce their recollection of the story.
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Poem Left in the Classroom
I’ve left home to look for a snack,
And I bet you’ll never get me back!
Look for me where there are lots of books!
Media Center
I’ve read lots of books,
But I’m gone, can’t you see?
I’m a gingerbread man and you can’t catch me!
Look for me by a friendly face who answers phones in a busy place.
Office
The secretaries have a friendly face,
And answer phones in a busy place.
Find me by the leader(s) of our school.
Principal’s Office
These are the principal’s offices.
They’re nice, you know.
They told me not to run anymore,
But to walk, wherever I go.
Go find me where we eat together.
Cafeteria
This is the lunchroom.
These friends like us a bunch,
And always make sure we have a good lunch.
I’m getting a bit tired as you can see,
Room ___ is where I’ll be!
Classroom (Homeroom)
I’ve run and run and I need some rest.
I think this room is the best!
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Children will make a book in the shape of a gingerbread (boy or girl) cookie. For one cover per child use the booklet cover template . Print out one lined writing page template per child adding the following fill-in-the-blanks story (or another of your creation).
If I were a gingerbread _____________, I would run to ______________. If a fox asked me to jump on his back I would _____________. Being a gingerbread ________ would be __________. I hope no one would ___________________________.
by:____
I used My eCoach to develop this project because of its user friendly Universal Builder with its many very cool tools. I was able to easily create this website which includes a survey for people to take that produces instant results in graph form. This was far better than another option I considered, using wikis and Ning. In addition I quickly uploaded a podcast using the "Insert Audio/Video button in the Universal Builder’s text editor. All these features are included in Lifetime and Team Memberships. You also may have notice that I embedded a ClustrMap to view site visitor locations. The real bonus came when I needed help. My coach, Barbara, was available to answer all my questions. Coaching comes with membership!
If you would like to begin creating a project of your own or to see how eCoach fits your needs join now for a lifetime membership or use this contact form for more information.