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)

9 Valentine's Day Picture Books for Upper Elementary

When it comes to February in the classroom, especially the upper elementary classroom, love is definitely in the air!

That is why I like to fill the month of February with love, kindness, and friendship-themed read alouds that are just perfect to bring Valentine's Day into the classroom. It is the perfect time to introduce or review themes in literature while reading a variety of books. These books can be used to celebrate Valentine's Day, discuss themes and other reading strategies, and engage students in meaningful book talks.

Read this list of my favorite picture books that I love reading in February with my upper elementary students. Plus, grab the free printables at the bottom of this post that go along with these books!

1. Yuck, A Love Story by Don Gillmore

This is my favorite story to read during February!

I love the specific details included in this book which make it perfect for visualizing lessons. This story follows two young friends as they develop a friendship, one going out of the way to give his new neighbor the moon. In the classroom, I read this story one time through without sharing the illustrations. Instead, I have students draw quick sketches of what they visualized every few pages. Then we reread the story, this time I share the illustrations, and the students compare what they visualized to the illustrations. It is a great lesson to encourage students to visualize as they read to increase their reading comprehension.

2.  Porcupining by Lisa Wheeler

This story is a fun read as the author enjoys using a play on words. Before reading this story, discuss what the word pining means as it comes up throughout the story and is one part of the play on words as the Porcupine is porocupining for a wife. Throughout the story, the Porcupine sings a song with a rhyming pattern. A fun follow-up activity would be to have your students write their own Valentine's Day poem using the same pattern.

This story follows the same theme as found in the book, Nobody Hugs a Cactus (number 9 on this list) making it perfect for comparing and contrasting themes, characters, and basic literary essay writing pieces.

3. Plant a Kiss by Amy Krouse Rosenthal

I love this sweet simple story and how the kiss is a metaphor for kindness! Kindness can and should be shared everywhere. This is a fun one to read and then brainstorm with students all the ways that they can spread kindness in the classroom, around the school, and around their community. Get started with this free kindness calendar.

4. On the Corner of Chocolate Avenue by Tziporah Cohen

We cannot go through February without a little discussion on chocolate and what better person to read about than Milton Hershey! I love reading this book, as it is the perfect mix of nonfiction and biography with a main idea and topic perfect for Valentine's Day...chocolate! The best part about this book is about Milton himself and what a philanthropist he was. This leads to wonderful classroom discussions about doing good things for others, kindness, and showing your love and how much you care, again perfect timing for February!

5. Hug Machine by Scott Campbell

This is a quick and fun read-aloud that truly encompasses the theme of love, perfect for Valentine's Day and February. This quick story is the perfect opportunity to introduce, practice, or review character analysis. Be sure to show your students the checklist found on the inside cover and the completed checklist on the backside cover, the kids love checking it by revisiting the story. 

6.  Be You! by Peter H. Reynolds

Want to get in a little social-emotional learning this month? Read this book and have a discussion about self-love! My students LOVE this activity! This book is written in a fun format, each page filled with phrases and illustrations encouraging the reader to just be themselves...an important message we want our kids to hear again and again. Follow up a read-aloud of this book with a little self-love activity to display to remind your students how awesome they are! Print out the heart and have the students fill it with all the things that they LOVE about themselves. Grab the free activity that goes along with this book at the bottom of this post.

7.  Nobody Hugs a Cactus by Carter Goodrich

This sweet story tells the story of Hank, a cactus that no one wants to hug. If you are reading this one alongside a read-aloud of Porcupining, you can compare and contrast the two story's story elements, characters, and each main character's feelings and emotions. The illustrations in this book provide great support when discussing character feelings and emotions and how feelings and emotions can change throughout a story.

8.  Love, Z by Jessie Sima

This unique book tells the story of Z, a robot out on a mission to find out what love really is. Throughout the robot's journey many things are learned and many people are met, but by the end Z realizes home is where he or she needs to be! I love this classic story with a fun twist.

9.  Somebody Loves You, Mr. Hatch by Eileen Spinelli

February cannot come and go without at least one reading of the book, Somebody Loves You Mr. Hatch. This is one of my all-time favorites! It is perfect for discussing gratitude, friendship, and feelings of loneliness. This touching story tells about Mr. Hatch who feels alone and sad until the day he thinks that is loved when he gets a large box of chocolates. Unfortunately, it was delivered to him in error, but with a theme of friendship and kindness, it all works out for Mr. Hatch. this story is also perfect to analyze characters and discuss how characters change throughout the story. This is a must-read! 

BONUS Valentine's Day Read Aloud: Love from the Crayons by Drew Daywalt

If you are looking for a book to review or practice figurative language, this is it! This book is filled with similes and metaphors for the different colors in the crayon box...all representing love for a different reason. Before reading this book, have the students make predictions about how each color represents love. After reading the book, come up with different colors that are not in the box and have students work with a partner to write similes and metaphors about those colors.

When it comes to celebrating Valentine's Day in your upper elementary classroom books that go beyond just Valentine's Day is a must for February! The books in this list are filled with themes that you will want to bring into the classroom and continue discussing throughout the year!

You will love reading these related posts:

4 Groundhog Activities for Upper Elementary

6 Valentine's Day Party Ideas with a Twist

St. Patrick's Day Ideas you Never Thought Of!

Celebrating National Poetry Month in the Upper Elementary Classroom

Looking for more high-interest February activities? Click the 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)

Christmas Holiday December Activities for 3rd 4th 5th Graders

When it comes to December, some schools and classrooms celebrate Christmas, and some do not. 

I have worked in three schools and the holiday focus in December varied in each. I have found that the celebration of different December holidays is usually based on the population of the school. One school celebrated Christmas complete with decorated trees in the halls and Christmas sing-alongs each Friday afternoon during the month. However, another school I worked in only celebrated the season of winter because there were so many different holidays celebrated by the population. I have also worked in a school that did a bit of everything in December: winter, Christmas, and other seasonal holidays.

No matter what the philosophy of your school and district is when it comes to celebrating winter holidays in your classroom, I have some high-engagement activities that your students will love! Some with a Christmas theme, some with a winter theme, all easy to use and perfect for December.

What I especially love about these activities is that they will keep your students engaged throughout the day. You can add them to your lesson plans as formal lessons, use them as fast finisher work, and even turn some of the ideas into your holiday party craft!

Christmas Activities for Upper Elementary

These activities are high interest, yet easy to implement! They will help you practice important skills while weaving in a Christmas theme that excites and truly motivates kids. These activities are perfect as standalone lessons, centers, party activities, or any way you want!

✅ Christmas Holiday Close Reading Traditions These reading passages are of high interest and include topics like Ugly Sweaters and the Nutcracker. 

✅ Christmas Opinion Writing These this or that type opinion writing activities will have students writing all month long as they share their traditions and opinions with their peers.

✅ Santa Letters Persuasive Writing This one is always a hit! These persuasive letters to Santa are a fun twist on the traditional letter writing to the big guy! You will be wowed by the work your students complete!

✅ 12 Days of Christmas Math These are so much fun as a countdown to break by completing one a day for twelve days, or create a mini-book and have students work on them days before break. Either way, your students will be critically thinking!

• 12 Days of Christmas Math Grade 3
• 12 Days of Christmas Math Grade 4
• 12 Days of Christmas Math Grade 5

✅ Reindeer Games These are so much fun for any time, centers, or holiday parties! All you need is a pencil and paper clip to make the spinners and some manipulatives to use as game pieces. Students can play with a partner or independently.

✅ Tic Tac Jingle These differentiated math games are also good any time and fun for parties! Just print and go!

✅ Christmas Kindness Challenge Bulletin Board Decorate for Christmas with these Christmas kindness posters designed to be festive and spread some kindness cheer! The kindness challenge is a fun way to spend December in the classroom.

✅ Christmas Color by Code Because big kids love coloring too! Use as morning work to start the day with some calm or add these to your lessons and party plans!

December Holiday Activities for Upper Elementary

These activities are inclusive of a wide range of holidays that are celebrated in December. These Christmas alternative activities are a great way to engage and include all of your students will no additional prep work. I love using activities like these that build and strengthen our classroom community.

✅ December Holidays Your students will learn about all the December holidays with this pack that is sure to have your students feel represented: Christmas, Kwanzaa, Hanukkah, St. Lucia Day, and more!

✅ 12 Days of Winter Countdown the days until break with this winter twist on the 12 Days of Christmas.

✅ Holiday Cinquain Poetry This non-holiday specific poetry writing activity allows students to write about the holiday and tradition of their choice!

✅ Gingerbread House Performance Task Can your students create and design a gingerbread house that will make the biggest profit? They will love trying to figure this task out!

✅  How to Make Hot Cocoa Procedural Project You can still have a hot cocoa-themed party, but it just does not have to be Christmas themed! This project is so much fun as kids try to write the perfect recipe for hot cocoa!

✅ North Pole Reading and Writing Bust out the maps and learn about the North Pole with this close reading pack that combines geography and nonfiction reading, perfect for December.

✅ Holiday Thank You Cards These are great for teachers to give students, but also for students to write out, too! We love writing thank you cards in the classroom...here are some ideas.

✅ Welcoming the New Year Print, copy, and leave on your desk to make the January return to school much simpler!

Bring on the Winter Activities for Upper Elementary

Winter activities in the classroom are favorite to use, because not only do they include all students they can be completed all winter season long! This means that there is no rush to get them done before the holiday break! Yay! Another positive is that when you have winter work prepped and ready to go, it makes the return to school after the break that much more simpler and enjoyable!

✅ Winter Kindness Challenge Bulletin Board Decorate for the season of winter with these winter kindness posters designed to be festive and spread some kindness cheer! The kindness challenge is a fun way to use all season.

✅ Tic Tac Snow Math Games These differentiated math games are also good as centers, any time, and fun for parties! Just print and go!

✅ Winter Solstice We love reading nonfiction in the classroom, and this set is perfect for the winter solstice and all season long.

✅ Snowman Job Designer for Hire This fun persuasive writing unit will have your students applying for the job of snow designer. Complete with a job application, students must persuade you to hire them for the job!

✅ Winter Sports Close Reading  Another high-interest nonfiction close reading pack with creative tasks that kids love to read!

✅Winter Wonderland Writing Project This is always my favorite activity of the year and is perfect for December or January. Find out how I teach descriptive writing with this project HERE.

No matter how you choose to celebrate the month of December with your students remember to have fun and soak in every moment of that December magic! Happy holidays!

Be sure to grab these free holiday activities!

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

Looking for more meaningful winter activities like these New Year's Activities? Take a look here. 

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)