If you’re looking for a way to bring some holiday magic into your classroom without sacrificing learning time, gingerbread-themed activities are always a hit. The classic tale of the gingerbread man is familiar, engaging, and full of opportunities for creativity, writing, and hands-on fun.
Whether you teach kindergarten, first, or second grade, these gingerbread ideas will help you keep students excited and focused during the busy winter season.
Here are 5 engaging gingerbread activities your students will love, plus a few ready-made resources to make planning a breeze!
1. Build a Trap to Catch the Gingerbread Man
Kids love the challenge of outsmarting the gingerbread man, which makes this activity the perfect blend of writing, problem-solving, and creativity.
The How to Catch the Gingerbread Man Writing Activities & Trap Craft has everything you need: brainstorming pages, graphic organizers, writing templates, and a fun craft where students design their own trap.
This is a great way to sneak in STEM thinking while keeping the focus on literacy. Students can write about how their trap works, illustrate it, and even share their designs with classmates.
2. Create Adorable Gingerbread Headband Crafts
If you want something festive and low-prep, gingerbread headbands are a classroom favorite.
With the Gingerbread Man Hat / Girl Headband Craft with Writing, students can create a cute headband and then write a short story or descriptive piece about their gingerbread character.
This activity works wonderfully for morning work, centers, or a quick Friday craft. Plus, you’ll end up with plenty of adorable photos and a classroom full of happy “gingerbread kids.”
👉 Find the headband craft here!
3. Design a Digital Gingerbread Person or House
For tech-savvy classrooms or days when you need something no-prep, a digital gingerbread activity is perfect.
The Virtual Gingerbread Man or House Writing Activities resource includes movable pieces, decorating slides, and writing pages so students can create a digital design and follow it up with a writing assignment.
This is great for whole-group instruction on the projector, independent digital centers, or even as an at-home assignment.
👉 Try the digital version here!
4. Hold a Gingerbread Writing Showcase
After students decorate their gingerbread crafts or digital creations, turn it into a mini writing celebration!
Have students read their stories aloud, walk around the room to admire classmates’ designs, or upload digital creations to a shared slideshow for parents. This builds confidence and encourages students to take pride in their work.
5. Create a Gingerbread-Themed Bulletin Board
Nothing brightens a hallway quite like a cheerful gingerbread display. Combine student writing with their crafts (headbands, traps, or digital printouts) to create a festive wall your whole school will love. Add a title like “Gingerbread Adventures!” or “Catch Us if You Can!” to tie it all together.
A gingerbread-themed week or unit is such an easy way to weave together writing, creativity, and holiday excitement. With a mix of crafts, storytelling, and hands-on design, your students will stay engaged and you’ll have plenty of meaningful work to display.
If you want to make planning even easier, check out the gingerbread resources linked above. They’re teacher-tested, kid-approved, and guaranteed to bring some sweet seasonal fun to your classroom!
For more holiday fun activities, check out my post here!
