Let's Cook Gingerbread!

Today was an action packed day, literally.

We reread Aylesworth's version of The Gingerbread Man then worked together to list the characters that appeared in the story: little old lady, little old man, Gingerbread Man, butcher, cow, pig, and fox. Then we randomly chose students to play these parts as our class recreated the story of The Gingerbread Man. Thiz scene is the Gingerbread Man (Annie) meeting the fox (Christian).

We also began our study of the number 1. We learned a poem which will help the children remember how to draw a 1.

Straight line down
and then you're done.
That's the way
you make a one.

The children also were introduced to Monster One. This construction paper puppet is bright orange and has one eye, one tooth, and one horn. Over the next few weeks we will be studying the rest of the numbers (through 10) and will have a corresponding "monster" for each one. Monster One, like Curvella, also has a cheer:

Monster Monster Number One. How many claps will get the job done? (clap)

After a few worksheets in which the students practiced writing the number 1 and coloring, we began the big event: Making the Dough for Gingerbread Men!!!

This was the first of our cooking lessons. It was a HUGE success. We talked about what a recipe was and what ingredients we were going to use. Each student got an opportunity to help measure and add ingredients into our mixing bowl. Once all ingredients were added, we passed the bowl around, giving each child a chance to stir. Let it be known that most children went home without too much of a mess on their clothes, but I (on the other hand) ended up with about 5 molasses spots on my white skirt... Newest item on my wishlist: an apron (if anyone has an extra they'd be willing to donate).