Last Updated on July 14, 2022 by Sheryl Cooper
Inside: These free gingerbread man circle time printable props can be used while reading and singing related books and songs. Having visuals keeps toddlers and preschoolers engaged, too!
If you enjoy the gingerbread theme as much as we do, you will want to grab these gingerbread man circle time props!
This packet includes plain gingerbread men that can be turned into stick puppets, plus numbered gingerbread men for counting fun.
Props keep toddlers and preschoolers more engaged during circle time.
These are perfect for your gingerbread theme!
Gingerbread Man Circle Time Printable Props
Make sure to also read: Christmas Circle Time Activities
If you are new to Teaching 2 and 3 Year olds, a quick background.
Like many new teachers, circle time was hard.
I’d open a book, start reading, and next thing I knew, I lost most of the children’s attention.
It took me many years to figure out how to keep them engaged.
I noticed that if I had visuals such as puppets and felt board pieces, they’d be much more attentive.
If I had something for them to hold as well, even better.
The past few years I’ve started creating my own props using printables.
If you’ve browsed my blog, you’ve noticed my Ten Little Dinosaurs props, for example.
I’ve also created super simple stick puppets that the children can hold, such as Itsy Bitsy Spider and Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star.
If you’ve visited my shop, you’ve seen one of my most popular sets, the song & rhymes prop pack, which has a variety of printable props for circle time.
So now we are about to embark on our December themes, and that includes gingerbread man activities.
Let me share how I’m using my gingerbread man circle time props.
Gingerbread Man Stick Puppets
What you will need:
- Popsicle sticks or Jumbo Craft Sticks
- Laminator
- Scotch tape
- Page 5 of the Gingerbread Man printable packet (scroll down to find the link)
I suggest either printing these on heavy paper or laminating them for extra durability.
Make enough copies so that you have one gingerbread man for each student and yourself.
Preparation:
Cut out the desired amount of gingerbread men and gather your popsicle or jumbo craft sticks.
After cutting them out, tape them to the top of a popsicle stick.
Using the Gingerbread Man Stick Puppets
While filling out your circle time planner, you can choose some of these books to use with the gingerbread props:
The children can move their gingerbread man sticks around while you read the book.
Using the Gingerbread Man Props with Rhymes and Songs
For songs without counting, invite your children to hold their gingerbread sticks while reciting rhymes and songs.
Gingerbread Man Songs and Rhymes (No Counting):
The Gingerbread Song – Plus More! (Can Teach)
The Gingerbread Man Lyrics (Storytime Songs)
The Gingerbread Man Song (Twinkl)
Using the Gingerbread Man Props for Counting:
For songs that include counting, make a copy of pages 2-4 (numbered gingerbread men).
We like to copy these on to heavy (card stock) paper and add velcro to the backs of each piece to they can stick to our flannel board.
You can also use magnets if you want to put them on a small cookie sheet, like we did.
Use the appropriate amount of gingerbread men depending on the rhyme or song.
For example, if you are reciting 5 Little Gingerbread, you will want to place five gingerbread on the flannel board or cookie sheet, numbered 1-5.
If the rhyme/song has ten gingerbread, you will want to place ten gingerbread on the flannel board, numbered 1-10.
Gingerbread Counting Books, Songs and Rhymes:
Five Little Gingerbread (Preschool Education)
5 Gingerbread Men Song (Spotify)
Extending the Gingerbread Circle Time Theme
Art: Make these no-mess gingerbread suncatcher ornaments.
Art: Paint gingerbread men using golf balls.
Fine Motor: Paint on gingerbread man ice.
Sensory: Fill gingerbread boxes.
Dramatic Play: Pretend to make gingerbread cookies.
Table Activity: Build a gingerbread house.
More Gingerbread Fun!
