This week, we focused on the story of The Gingerbread Man. On Monday, we read an original version of the story. We also learned the song “5 Gingerbread Men” and acted it out with props. Children made their own gingerbread men in the art center using felt cut-outs and decorating them with googly eyes, Pom-Pom’s, yarn, and gems.
On Tuesday, we read another original version of The Gingerbread Man. Students who were also at school on Monday were able to compare and contrast the two stories. They noticed that some of the animals were different, the Gingerbread Man’s chant was the same, and the ending was a little bit different. We also had fun playing with gingerbread-scented play-doh.
On Wednesday, we started our day with a visit from a goat named Donald! He was so cute and friendly! Later, we followed a recipe to bake our own gingerbread cookies! First, we all worked together to measure and mix the ingredients. Then, each child got a chance to roll out the cookie dough and cut out a gingerbread man using a cookie cutter. After they were baked and had cooled down, we all got to decorate our gingerbread men with frosting and sprinkles. After a long day of waiting and working hard, we finally got to eat our gingerbread cookies! We also read “The Gingerbread Baby” by Jan Brett which many students liked better than the originals since it ends more happily. Outside, we built a snowman with the little snow that we had, and the children named him Frosty Bob.
On Thursday, we read “Gingerbread Friends,” the follow-up to Jan Brett’s “Gingerbread Baby.” We also had fun with some of the new materials in the classroom, like the number spots (great for gross motor and mathematical development), and the giant farm puzzle.
On Friday, we learned about Saint Nicholas Day, a holiday celebrated in many parts of the world including Europe, Russia, and the Middle East. In many places, Saint Nicholas leaves treats, including oranges, candies, toys, carrots, and many other differing things, in good children’s boots. We made sure to be very kind on Friday, and after rest time, we checked our boots to find oranges and chocolates from Saint Nicholas! We spent a lot of time outside on Friday, sliding down our fun, icy hill and catching beautiful snowflakes on our tongues!
Samuel Morey Preschool Blog 