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)

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)

December Holiday Read Alouds for Upper Elementary Classrooms

December in the classroom is a magical time! The air is filled with excitement, the children are all smiles, and as the weather gets a bit cooler, it is the perfect time to gather together in the reading area for a good book!

But how do you pick the perfect December read-aloud that all of the students in your class can connect with? It is definitely tricky! That is why I love to make sure that my December picture book stack is well balanced to represent different holidays and traditions, especially some that my students may not have heard of before!

This list of suggested December picture books for upper elementary classrooms is a great place to get started when it comes to going beyond just the Christmas read-aloud. These books have all been read in my classroom and enjoyed by all students, no matter what holiday they celebrate, or don't celebrate.

Don't forget to grab the free printable activities that go alongside some of these picture books, just perfect to add to your December lesson plans.

New 2024! A City Full of Santas written by Joanna Ho

“A City Full of Santas” by Joanna Ho is a heartwarming story that beautifully intertwines the themes of traditions, family, and diversity during the holiday season. With its soft illustrations and thoughtful message, it’s a perfect read-aloud to spark discussions about traditions, making memories, and celebrating differences. You will love to add this to your holiday lessons, encouraging students to think about how they can spread kindness in their own communities.

Grab the free printables to use with these favorite read alouds!

1. The Little Owl and the Big Tree written by Jonah Winter

This sweet tale tells the story of Rockefeller, the small owl that stayed in his large evergreen tree even after it was cut down to be the main Christmas tree attraction in Rockefeller Center in New York City. This tiny Northern Saw-whet Owl stayed buried in his hole, afraid to come out even after the tree he lived in traveled for hours to get to NYC. This book tells how this little owl was found, nursed back to health, and released back into the wild. I love this one for December because it is not Christmas focused and is a real story that the kids love! I love to read this book and then dive deep into a nonfiction article about this book as a paired passage reading activity.

2.  How Santa Got His Job written by Stephen Krensky

This fun read follows Santa as he takes and leaves different jobs, until finding the right fit! Each job he takes has a problem that leads him to quit or get fired and take a new job. But each job he leaves provides him with an important skill that will help him do his job as the Santa Claus that we all know! The kids will love seeing Santa in different jobs and roles. A fun follow-up activity would be to write persuasive letters to Santa, telling him to take the year off after working all these jobs!

3.  Mr. Willowby's Christmas Tree written by Robert Barry

I have read this book for years, and it is always one of my holiday favorites to read aloud each December! Written in prose and chock full of good word choice and vocabulary, this story follows the small pieces of one big Christmas tree as it is passed on to others. I love that this book can be used to illustrate how one action can have many different effects, which lends itself to lessons on kindness and the power of one kind deed.  

4. The Polar Express written by Chris Van Allsburg

No December read-aloud list is complete without The Polar Express! A truly classic tale, this story follows the adventures of a young boy on the way to the North Pole on the polar express. The adventure comes at the perfect time as the young boy is beginning to wonder about Santa's existence. As with all of Chris Van Allsburg's books, this one is cleverly written, includes beautiful illustrations, and will have the students at the end of their seats as they predict, infer, and connect as each page is read!

5. The Broken Ornament written by Tony DiTerlizzi

The Broken Ornament tells the story of a young boy named Jack who gets caught up in the Christmas rush and breaks his mom's special ornament. Throughout the story, he finds out why the ornament was so special to her and learns the real meaning of Christmas...the value of kindness and giving. After being visited by a Christmas fairy, Jack decides on a special way to try to make it up to his mom.  This book is a perfect read-aloud to springboard into discussions about the students' family holiday traditions.

6.  The Nutcracker written by Valeria Docampo

This beautifully illustrated version of the classic Nutcracker is one your students will love, especially if they have not heard this story.  Not familiar with this story? It is about a young girl who is gifted with a nutcracker on Christmas Eve. She falls asleep and dreams of a magical land with candy and sweets and is protected by her Nutcracker who has come to life! I love to read this book before diving deep into a nonfiction article about this ballet as a paired passage reading activity.

7.  Night of Las Posadas written by Tomie DePaolo

This book is a religious story that tells about the tradition of Las Posadas. The tradition of Las Posadas is one that takes place in Mexico and lasts for nine days. It is a procession that re-enacts the story of Mary and Joseph looking for a place to rest and have Jesus. This story is definitely one for classrooms and families that celebrate Christmas and offers a twist at the end that will have students critically thinking!

Learning about different winter holidays around the world? You will love these activities.

8.  The Legend of the Red Poinsettia written by Tomie DePaolo

Have you ever wondered why Poinsettias are commonly called the Christmas flower? This story, retold and illustrated by Tomie dePaola, tells about the legend that explains why Poinsettias are associated with Christmas. A young girl has nothing to bring to church to celebrate Baby Jesus so she brings weeds. Once inside the church, the weeds blossom into beautiful and shining red and green flowers. I love the legend and the special author's note at the end, too!

9.  All of a Kind Family written by Emily Jenkins and Paul O.  Zelinsky

This is a must-add to your December collection! This book takes place in New York City in 1912. It follows one family who celebrates the first night of Hanukkah by making latkes. I love how each page is filled with traditions this family celebrates and holds close to their hearts. No matter what holiday you and your students celebrate, everyone will instantly want to share one of their own family holiday traditions following a read-aloud of this story!

10.  Hershel and the Hanukkah Goblins written by Eric A. Kimmel

I love this story! It is so engaging and always has students at the edge of their seats, cheering Hershel on as he attempts to save Hanukkah from the goblins. This original story, complete with unique and beautiful illustrations tells the story of one man as he tries to save Hanukkah from pesky goblins who try to stop the holiday from taking place. The author's note offers insight into how this story was created and why it was written. Definitely a must-add to your collection!

11.  Oskar and the Eight Blessings written by Tanya Simon

This is my favorite Hanukkah story to share. This one focuses on kindness and blessings and helps students to appreciate the small things in life. This story takes place in Manhattan on Christmas Eve and the 7th day of Hanukkah. The year is 1938 and Oskar, a young refugee from Nazi Germany is in NYC looking for his aunt whom he has never met. As he travels the city and streets of Manhattan he meets 8 strangers, each offering one small act of kindness. I love the discussions that take place around a reading of this book!

12.  Together for Kwanzaa written by Juwanda G. Ford

This story focuses on one family who celebrates Kwanzaa. Filled with traditions and practices of this winter holiday, your students will learn just how important this holiday is! The youngest of the family is worried that her brother will not make it home in time for Kwanzaa celebrations. As they prepare for the holiday the family all comes together, making this year's celebration extra special.

13.  Seven Spools of Thread - Kwanzaa Angela Shelf Medearis

This book is perfect to introduce students to the holiday of Kwanzaa during the month of December, but its message is perfect for any time of the year! This story has so many positive messages and follows the theme of family, community, and working together. In this story, seven brothers most put their differences aside and work together to complete a mission their father set out for them. The powerful tale perfectly illustrates the value kindness and teamwork. The introduction to the story is a must-read as it explains the history of Kwanzaa and goes over each of the guiding 7 principles. I love reading this one each year!

Grab these free coordinating book activities:

When it comes to sharing favorite read-alouds in December, remember to share books with a wide range of holidays, traditions, and cultures. The kids love learning about different holidays, their origins, and the traditions associated with them. This list is a great way to get started, they are all student approved! Happy Holidays!

Looking for more meaningful holiday activities like these? See more here. 

You will love reading these related articles:

Winter Descriptive Writing Project Kids LOVE

4 Christmas Alternative Activities for the Classroom

6 Winter Picture Books for Upper Elementary

4 Groundhog Activities for Upper Elementary

Love these ideas? Pin to save them!

*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)