The Gingerbread Man Activities, Close Reading Strategies, and Story Stretchers
The Gingerbread Man activities to start your December off right! The Gingerbread Man is a well-loved story for ages 3-6. For one thing, the characters in the book are so relatable and fun! Who wouldn’t want to take a bite of the tasty Gingerbread Man? I have created a resource to bring this fantastic story to life with art, writing, songs, math, fine motor work, science, and of course, literacy activities. Get ready to dive into this wonderful world and follow the Gingerbread Man on his ill-fated adventure!
Close Reading Guides and Suggestions
First, when beginning a close read it is important to have a guide to help steer you along the way. The first read is an introduction, the second read dives deeper into the characters, the story, and the central question. The third read is all about comprehension and answering all the ‘why’ questions posed in the first and second read. Included in this resource is everything you need to make a close read of ‘The Gingerbread Man’ successful. You will see how the following activities will help your students take a deeper look at the characters and the story. Each activity enhances comprehension and overall understanding of the story in some way.
Character & Vocabulary Cards
The Gingerbread Man Activity-Math
Spin, Graph, & Count games are a favorite in my classroom. I found some cute graphics of gingerbread men dressed as community helpers. So all you need to do is spin, graph, and then count the pom-poms! Additionally, there is a counting and fine motor skill element to the math game as well! This one is a winner! Finally, all you need is a clear spinner from Hand 2 Mind and you are set!
The Gingerbread Man Activity-Game
Because comprehension is such an important reading skill, the more ways you can reinforce the story …the better! Therefore, a game is a great way to explore a story that is FUN! I was lucky enough to find the algorithm for the game “Spot It” online. Hence, I created a game I call “See it, Match it” that you play just like Spot It. Each card has pictures from The Gingerbread Man story. Consequently, you can play the game and talk about the characters, the central question, and anything else you can think of to increase comprehension and a greater understanding of the story.
The Gingerbread Man Writing Prompts
This Gingerbread Man writing activity helps us dive deeper into the characters of the story. First, the writing prompt asks “Who is your favorite character in the Gingerbread Man?” Consequently, there will have to be some remembering and recounting the story to answer the prompts. Additionally, the question of “Why?” can be introduced and will make the students have to stop and think about their answers. As you can see, this is a great way to peel back the layers and test our comprehension!
The Gingerbread Man Story Retelling Link-it!
One thing I know is that retelling a story is a great comprehension exercise! For this reason, I have put together a retelling kit. To begin with, print, laminate and cut the characters out. Then use a hole punch to make holes on either side. I like to use math links with these pieces. While the story is being read, the kids can add the correct piece tot he ‘story chain’. After that, you can go through the pictures and summarize the story with the group!
Fine Motor Tracing Practice
We all know our littlest learners can use a lot of fine motor practice! For this reason, these tracing sheets do double-duty. As you can see, each sheet has an animal from the story that chases the Gingerbread Man. And so, as the tracing/chasing happens you get fine motor AND comprehension in one task!
Gingerbread Man Craft
Bringing art and literacy together is always a best-practice. In addition to math, literacy, and games, this project will really make the story come alive. Included in this resource is a Gingerbread Man template you can copy onto brown paper and cut out. Set out a tray of buttons, pom-poms, sequins, glitter, and yarn. Add some liquid glue and you have a Gingerbread Man making station that your kids will love! I love to make a bulletin board display with these cuties. We add trees and houses too! This is one of my favorite projects of the year.
Again, you can find these activities in my The Gingerbread Man Close Read Strategies & Story Stretchers resource in my TPT store. There is also a bundle available too! 4 Stories in all. Click the picture below for more information.
