7 Gingerbread Man Activities and Ideas Upper Elementary

Looking for activities that are fun, engaging, and not tied to a specific holiday? Try a gingerbread man-themed week in your upper elementary classroom this December!

If you know me, you know that while I love celebrating the holidays at home with family and friends, I love to stay away from the December religious holidays in the classroom. Instead, I love to use fun themes that ALL of my students can participate in and feel connected with. That is why when it comes to December themes, my favorite is the gingerbread man!

Gingerbread Man activities are a great way to engage your students; even our big kids love to read and create gingerbread houses and gingerbread people!

These activities will be your go-to for every December! From a fun game idea to reading, writing, and math-based tasks, your kids will be highly engaged and learning! #teacherwin

 

1. Gingerbread Man Character Analysis

Reading gingerbread man books and short stories is a great way to dive deep into understanding characters, as well as character traits and emotions. We also love to look at how the characters change from beginning to end, and so many gingerbread stories help us do that! Using short stories specifically designed to dive into character analysis is a great way to kick off any gingerbread man week! 

Here is how you can get started...

✔ Discuss character traits, charting different traits that characters have on the inside and those they have on the outside. This list will help you get started.

✔ Read these short stories about gingerbread men that were designed to help students focus on inferring character traits.

✔ Have students pull evidence from the reading to show and support a character trait by collecting what the character says, does, and the character's actions.

✔ Go one step further and have the students create a scrapbook page as the gingerbread character in the story.

2. Compare and Contrast Gingerbread Man Books

There are so many ways to use gingerbread books! There are so many twists on this fun story. Grab a stack of gingerbread man-themed picture books and get reading. Pick three or four and read them over a few days. Use each book for a different reading focus like character understanding, problem and solution, and sequencing events.

The magic happens after you read all three or four! Get your students really thinking by comparing and contrasting all of the stories. Have them focus on character traits, problems, setting, and theme! 

Here are a few unique gingerbread man books to get you started:

✔ The Gingerbread Man Loose in the School

✔ The Gingerbread Pirates

✔ Tough Cookie

Grab the FREE organizers to use with ANY book!

3. Design Your Own Gingerbread Man 

Grab a gingerbread man template and send your students off to create their own unique gingerbread person!

For this project, students will create a gingerbread character with or without a theme, and color and decorate it. Then students will write a descriptive paragraph about their gingerbread character. Hang the gingerbread man on a bulletin board with the included letters: “Can you find me?” and have your students read aloud their pieces. After they read, the class has to find their gingerbread man based on their descriptive writing. 

💡Teacher tip: When you get down to the last few that are on the bulletin board that have not been identified, have several students read theirs without having the class find them so that the last one is not as obvious.

 

4. Gingerbread Themed Text Structure

Bring reading strategies that you have to teach into the holiday season by using gingerbread-themed passages. One big focus for our upper elementary students is understanding text structure. Combine the objectives students have to learn and understand with gingerbread-themed passages.

Use the included five gingerbread-themed passages written in different text structures - compare and contrast, cause and effect, problem and solution, sequence of events, and descriptive writing - so that your students can dive into informational texts, sharpen their reading skills, and enjoy the December season...all at the same time!

These comprehension foldables include everything you need on one page: passages, graphic organizers, strategy practice, and reflection. Plus, the included anchor charts make differentiating text structures easy to understand for students. Whether you are working with the whole class, small groups, or literacy centers, this resource fits seamlessly into your routine. It is a must-added item for your gingerbread-themed week!

5. Gingerbread House Math Project

This is my favorite math project of the year! For this project, students work in groups designing a gingerbread house, but they must stay within the budget they were given! The kids love this grown up, real world math project! Bonus for you, it is differentiated on three levels, so you know that your students are practicing the skills that they have mastered!

6. Gingerbread Man Fun

Bring on the fun! I love to have fun activities for kids to complete during a gingerbread-themed week. Activities like word searches, coloring pages, and designing your own gingerbread man are perfect for fast finishers, centers, morning work, or any time you want to have a little fun in your classroom! These can be added to your routine, or you can create a fun packet of activities to keep the students engaged with critical thinking tasks during downtime throughout the day. 

7. Gingerbread Man Hot or Cold

Super simple and so much fun! This game is easy and fun to play. Grab the free gingerbread man download (it is included in the free graphic organizer pack) and cut it out. I like to laminate it so it stands the test of time! Select one student to be the seeker and go outside your classroom, close their eyes, and count to 25. Select another student to hide the gingerbread man. After the student who was outside returns, the students in the room have to help them find the hidden gingerbread man. The catch?  They can not talk or point. They can only use their arm to help guide the student to the gingerbread man. How? Students sitting at their desk use their right arm. Have them keep it straight. If the seeker is "cold" or far away from the gingerbread man, they keep their arm straight and flat on the table. As the seeker gets closer they start raising their arm. If the seeker is "hot" they raise their arm straight up into the air. 

This game is so much fun and bonus...it stays quiet, which is a welcome feeling of peace during a hectic month!

8. Easy Gingerbread Houses

I love the idea of making gingerbread houses as much as the next teacher (and mom), but honestly, they are so much work and messy! Plus, they never come out right, and the kids end up frustrated and disappointed! Skip all the mess and try these fun alternatives instead:

Here are a few unique gingerbread man books to get you started:

✔  Gingerbread House Scene Sticker Set

✔  Gingerbread House Design a Frame

✔  Gingerbread House Ornament

Grab these and leave them on the back table for the kids to work on during downtime or indoor recess in December! The kids LOVE to work on these with any free moment!

✔  Gingerbread Collaborative Coloring Poster

✔ Gingerbread House 500 Piece Puzzle

These gingerbread man activities and ideas for upper elementary are just what you need to engage your students this holiday season without focusing on the holidays!  So jump into a gingerbread man-themed week! From character trait activities to designing gingerbread people and houses, these lessons spark creativity and keep kids learning. Plus, they allow every student to feel included and connected, no matter their background. Give it a try - this will definitely be your new favorite December tradition!

You will also love reading:

December Activities for Upper Elementary

Winter Descriptive Writing Project Kids LOVE

12 December Read Alouds for Upper Elementary

4 Christmas Alternative Activities for the Classroom

6 Winter Picture Books for Upper Elementary

4 Groundhog Activities for Upper Elementary

Check out my favorite Gingerbread Man activities HERE.

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*affiliate links: “Think Grow Giggle is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.” (source: Section 5)

6 Picture Books for Native American Heritage Month & Celebrating Native American Culture

Don't let November, Native American Heritage Month, go by without reading some of these Native American Heritage picture books that focus on celebrating Native American culture, traditions, and heroes! 

Bringing Native American-themed picture books that focus on Indigenous Peoples into your upper elementary classroom is a powerful way to help students connect with different cultures and traditions. These hand-selected stories, rich with tradition and perspective, offer more than just a quick look into Native American life - they help develop a deeper understanding of community, resilience, and respect for Indigenous Peoples. Everything we want our students to do!

Using timely picture books as a tool can help broaden students’ perspectives and promote meaningful discussions about the values of respect, gratitude, and the importance of oral traditions. 

Read my list of my favorite Native American picture books I share each year! They will surely inspire you and your students while helping their understanding of this rich cultural heritage. 

1. Keepunumk written by Danielle Greendeer, Anthony Perry, and Alexis Bunten*

Do not let November go by without sharing this Native American story. I love that this book begins with a page filled with important background information and meaningful words for the reader. It truly sets the stage for this read-aloud. This story tells about the first day of thanks or harvest from the perspective of The First People. It is filled with rich information and culture and is truly perfect for November. The back pages are filled with information, recipes, and an author's note that you will want to share, too!

A fun follow-up to this read-aloud would be to connect reading and writing with informational research about Native Americans and Indigenous Peoples who once lived in your area. More info HERE.

🔎Try this reading focus as you read: Focus on vocabulary and context clues. 

Grab free activities to use with these books here!

2. It's Powwow Time! by Martha Troian

It's Powwow Time! by Martha Troian, a Lac Seul First Nation member, gives readers a first look at the celebration of Native American culture! This book lends itself to discussions about traditions, family, and community gatherings. This book beautifully introduces readers to the excitement and significance of powwows, where music, dance, and storytelling come together to honor Native heritage. 

With each page, students will be drawn in by the "thump, thump" onomatopoeia, the colorful illustrations, and the rhythmic text that brings the powwow to life. This short book is a must-read for Native American Heritage Month and highlights the importance of year-round cultural celebrations.

🔎Try this reading focus as you read: Focus on onomatopoeia and sequence of events

3. Contenders by Traci Sorell

Contenders by Traci Sorell, a member of the Cherokee Nation who lives on her tribe's reservation, is an inspiring biography that highlights the lives of Native American athletes who overcome challenges both on and off the field. During a read aloud of this book, chat with the kids about character traits and understanding how and why people act how they do. This book is a great way to bring in real-life stories of determination and perseverance. Through each page, Sorell weaves in important themes, reminding readers of the strength of Native traditions and values. 

🔎Try this reading focus as you read: Focus on biography and understanding nonfiction

4. Lila and the Crow by Gabrielle Grimard

Lila and the Crow by Gabrielle Grimard is a relatable story that makes it easy to talk about self-acceptance, family, and nature. This story follows Lila, a young Native girl, as she learns more about her heritage and finds strength in her connection with a crow. The simple yet powerful words and beautiful illustrations make the story easy to understand and connect with as a reader. This one is a great read for Native American Heritage Month, with a gentle and meaningful message about identity and finding your place in the world. The story's theme centers on embracing who you are and the strength of understanding your roots.

🔎Try this reading focus as you read: Focus on theme and character traits

5. Fry Bread written by Kevin Nobel Maillard*

Fry Bread is jam-packed with so much goodness! It is perfect for kicking off discussions of traditions, families, and holiday gatherings and a must-read to celebrate and honor Native American Heritage Month this November. Written with a metaphor on each page, the reader is reminded of how important fry bread is to Native Americans and Indigenous Peoples. Every page is short and brief, but includes vivid words and illustrations. 

Don't miss out on the author's note at the end! It provides more information about Fry Bread and the culture of Native Americans.

🔎Try this reading focus as you read: Understanding nonfiction and metaphors

6. Squanto's Journey: The Story of the First Thanksgiving by Joseph Bruchac

Squanto's Journey by Joseph Bruchac, a Native American author, is a must-read for upper elementary students learning about the history of Thanksgiving and Native American culture. It is perfect for introducing students to the true story of Tisquantum, or Squanto, and how he helped the Pilgrims survive their first winter in the New World. With vivid descriptions and rich storytelling, Bruchac brings Squanto’s perspective to life, showing his important role in history. 

Each page is filled with captivating details and illustrations, making it a great choice for sparking discussions about cooperation, gratitude, and the significance of Native American contributions, especially with our older upper elementary students.

🔎Try this reading focus as you read: Focus on cause and effect and character perspective

Grab one or all of these Native American picture books to share with your upper elementary students this season! I love using these to spark meaningful discussions about culture, community, and respect while expanding students' knowledge of Native American traditions. These books aren’t just great for November—they’re valuable tools for teaching empathy and appreciation all year long!

Which one will you introduce to your students next?

You will also love reading:

7 Thanksgiving Picture Books for Upper Elementary

5 Must Try Fall Activities with Upper Elementary Students

8 Must-Read Gratitude Picture Books

4 Ways to Bring Gratitude into Your Classroom

4 Thanksgiving Activities You Never Thought to Do

Check out my favorite Native American Heritage Month activities HERE.

Like these Native American Heritage Month Biographies.

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*affiliate links: “Think Grow Giggle is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.” (source: Section 5)

8 Ways to Keep Upper Elementary Kids Engaged Before Winter Break

by JEANINE SCHNEIDER, JACQUELINE ORTIZ, JENNIFER MARTINEZ, RACHEL DEROCHE, MARIANNA MONHEIM, SHELLY REES, RISSA HANNEKEN, and MARISSA DESPINS - November 5, 2024

The weeks leading up to winter break can be a challenge for teachers trying to keep students focused and engaged. 

With activities centered around cozy winter themes, like hot cocoa and snowball tracking charts, you can create a fun, engaging environment that motivates students to stay on task. In this blog post, we’ll explore creative ideas and resources from fellow upper elementary teachers to help you make the most of this festive season.

Must Try Idea!

The best way to keep your students engaged during the weeks before the holiday break is to have a countdown! Teachers and students LOVE to countdown to special days, birthdays, and holiday breaks!

This December, host a winter-themed countdown in your classroom. I love using winter themed activities and countdown so that I know it is inclusive for all students! Winter themed activities are just as fun as holiday activities, so it is easy to keep engagement high!

With hot cocoa and winter themed activities your students will be motivated to work hard each day! The snowball themed tracker makes it easy for students to keep track of which activities they completed and countdown to the last day of school before break!

Try the 12 Days of Winter Countdown and engage your students this December!

Looking for even more engaging activities for December? You will love these seven additional creative ideas from my fellow upper elementary teacher friends!

 

1. Get into the spirit!

Jacqueline from The Little Ladybug Shop believes that December brings a special magic to the classroom. With colder weather and shorter days, there’s a sense of excitement and anticipation among students. For upper elementary teachers, this season provides a great chance to integrate winter-themed activities such as researching and learning about Winter Holidays Around the World and Poetry Writing. These activities are both fun and educational. Keep your students engaged with these exciting resources! Check out this blog for more ideas to bring the magic of December into your classroom.

 

2. Get hands-on!

As winter break approaches, keeping students engaged can feel like an uphill battle, but it doesn’t have to be! Rissa at Teaching in the Heart of Florida shares three quick and easy ways to keep your students focused and learning, even when their minds drift to winter break. These strategies, from hands-on activities like math manipulatives to movement-based games like Scoot, help you re-energize your classroom and maintain student focus. No need for extra planning or prep—these ideas are designed to work with what you’ve already got! Rissa shares that one of the simplest ways to boost engagement before winter break is to involve your students in their learning. Encourage them to “stop and jot” during literacy lessons or give them a quick “turn and talk” moment during any subject. These small shifts help students stay on task, share their thoughts, and practice accountable talk. When students are active participants, the classroom energy stays positive, and you can make it to winter break with everyone still learning! You can find more tips at Teaching in the Heart of Florida!

 

3. Brain Breaks!

It’s no secret that kids have a lot of energy. And while sometimes that energy can be disruptive, it can also be harnessed and channeled into productive learning. When possible, Marissa from Creative Classroom Core likes to incorporate physical activity into her lessons. This helps students burn off excess energy and stay focused. For example, Marissa suggests that you could start each morning with a quick brain break or do some desk yoga together as a class. Or, if you have access to a gym or outdoor space, Marissa loves holding class outside for a change of scenery. Physical activity has been shown to improve concentration and focus, so it’s a win-win for everyone! For more tips and tricks for engaging students before a holiday break, be sure to check out the Creative Classroom Core blog!

 

 

4. Give Students Choice!

There are so many winter topics that will entice and engage upper elementary learners! Marianna from Creatively Comprehensive loves using choice boards to allow students to explore different topics of interest. From wicked weather to adorable animals to classic winter activities, you'll be sure to pique the interest of every single one of your students by pairing a high-interest reading passage with an out-of-the-box activity. Head to Marianna's blog post to read all about how to create and implement a winter-themed choice board that is sure to be a huge hit!

 

 

5. Goodbye Boring!

When you think about teaching grammar, do you instantly think BORING? Guess what? You can make learning fun for your students, even when teaching grammar! Rachel from Uniquely Upper believes that teaching grammar in upper elementary is critical because it is the foundation for good writing. Equally important is engagement because it is the foundation for retention. If you make learning fun when teaching grammar, your students are more likely to retain the information needed to become better writers. In her post, Rachel shares 3 Tips to Make Learning Fun through movement, technology, and opening up creative minds through digital art. While you're visiting her post, grab the freebies to help increase student engagement.

 

 

6. Master Engagment!

The holiday season can bring a whirlwind of distractions into the classroom, but Jennifer from everything just so knows how to channel that excitement into something productive. In her latest post, she shares five proven strategies that seamlessly integrate holiday fun with meaningful academic tasks, ensuring students stay engaged while building important ELA skills. Plus, there’s a free resource to help you master holiday engagement! Whether it’s quick-fire debates or creative writing with a festive twist, these ideas will help you maintain rigor and keep students focused through the seasonal chaos. Ready to boost engagement this holiday season? Click here to discover more!

  

7. 14 Fun Reading Ideas!

Let’s face it. . . it can be hard to keep students engaged and learning before winter break! Shelly Rees from Appletastic Learning shares 14 fun reading ideas that will keep students excited about school any time of year, especially before a break. From escape rooms to reading buddies to a blind date with a book, these ideas are sure to make reading enjoyable and interactive. Dive into this blog post to discover how you can change reading from a routine task into an exciting journey for your students!

 

As the countdown to winter break approaches, keeping your students engaged doesn't have to be stressful. With a variety of winter-themed activities, creative countdowns, and fun learning strategies, you can maintain student focus and excitement right up to the last day of school. Whether using a snowball tracker, incorporating physical movement, or exploring choice boards, there are plenty of ways to make the season both productive and enjoyable. 

Try out these ideas to bring winter magic into your classroom, and watch your students thrive as they eagerly anticipate the winter and holiday break!

Happy teaching!

Looking for no-prep activities for
winter? Head HERE!

You will love reading these related articles:

Winter Descriptive Writing Project Kids LOVE

December Holiday Activities for Upper Elementary

4 Christmas Alternative Activities for the Classroom

6 Winter Picture Books for Upper Elementary

4 Groundhog Activities for Upper Elementary

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*affiliate links: “Think Grow Giggle is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.” (source: Section 5)