The gingerbread man calendar numbers are such a fun way to add a bit of excitement to your daily circle time routine. If you like these, be sure to check out our collection of calendar numbers for the whole year!
I love having a variety of calendar numbers that fit each preschool theme. I like to use the gingerbread numbers for a gingerbread theme. But they’re great for all of those festive Christmas activities for preschoolers and kindergarten kids, too!
While the free printable gingerbread number cards work well for a classroom calendar, they can also be used in a ton of other ways! Follow along for some ideas.
On top of being versatile and working well with several different preschool themes, the gingerbread number cards are also low-prep. As a busy preschool teacher, I think that’s super important!
Be sure to get your copy of the printable calendar numbers at the bottom of this post.
Gingerbread Man Calendar Numbers
If you’re a regular here at Fun-A-Day, then you might already know that I’m not the biggest fan of worksheets. But printables like this aren’t your typical worksheet! They are an extra learning tool to use for hands-on learning in the classroom!
How to Prep the Gingerbread Number Cards
Before getting started, gather all of the necessary materials. You’ll only need a few simple items for the gingerbread man calendar numbers. You likely already have all of these items in your classroom or school office. Here they are (I may get commissions for purchases made through links in this post):
- Calendar numbers (Scroll to the bottom of this post for your free printable)
- Printer
- Scissors or paper trimmer
- Laminator and laminating pouches
And that’s all you need for prep work!
If you’re looking to use the gingerbread number cards for something other than a calendar, you might need a few other items. And those will change based on your activity of choice. Here are a few ideas based on the activities I’ve outlined below:
- Pocket calendar
- Shallow sensory tray
- Sand
- White navy beans
- Christmas tree confetti
- Large jingle bells
- Mini Christmas cookie cutter manipulatives
Once you have all of the materials needed, it’s time to prep. It only takes a few simple steps:
- First, get your copy of the gingerbread man number cards at the bottom of this post.
- Then save the file to your computer.
- Open the file in the most up-to-date version of Adobe Reader.
- Print as many copies as you’d like.
- Then cut the cards apart.
- Finally, place them in laminating pouches and laminate all the numbers.
Now you’re ready to use the numbered gingerbread man cards with your students.
How to Use the Gingerbread Man Calendar Numbers
As I mentioned before, the printable gingerbread man numbers are super versatile! They can be used in so many different ways in the classroom. Here are a few of my favorite activity ideas:
- The most obvious way to use the gingerbread man calendar numbers is right in the name: with your classroom calendar! The 3-inch squares work really well with both pocket charts and linear calendars.
- Have students place the cards in order from 0 to 35. Then challenge them to do it all over again, but in reverse.
- Set out a shallow sensory tray filled with sand or another similar sensory material. Children can use their fingers to practice writing letters in the sensory material. Let the kids use a candy cane to write the numbers for some added fun!
- Place the cards in a Christmas sensory bin. Let kids explore and interact with the cards and sensory materials as they see fit.
- Pair the number cards with festive manipulatives, like mini Christmas cookie cutters. Have the children practice one to one correspondence as they count out manipulatives to match each card.
As you can see, there are so many different ways to use the cards in the classroom. But this list is definitely not complete. I know there are lots of other ways to use the number cards.
How will you use the gingerbread man calendar numbers in your classroom? Be sure to let us know in the comments below. Especially if you’ve got a new idea!
What are Kids Learning with the Number Cards?
Now that we’ve got several activity ideas for the gingerbread man calendar numbers under our belts, it’s time to talk about the learning! While each activity we’ve outlined is lots of fun, there’s also quite a bit of learning involved.
Here are just a few of the early learning concepts the kids will encounter in the activities:
- Number identification
- Counting
- One-to-one correspondence
- Number formation
- Patterns
- Addition
- Subtraction
- Numerical order
- Skip counting
- Measurement
- Graphing and data analysis
See? There are a ton of learning opportunities packed into one simple, low-prep free printable. And this list really just skims the surface!
More Gingerbread Man Activities for Kids
Looking for some more great activities for a gingerbread man theme? Look no further! Here are some ideas:
- Gingerbread Messy Play Ideas
- Dissolving Gingerbread Man Science Activity
- Gingerbread Man Shape Mats
- Retelling the Gingerbread Man Sequencing Cards
- Stretchy Gingerbread Man Butter Slime with Model Magic
- Scented Sandpaper Gingerbread Ornaments
- Life Size Gingerbread House
- Gingerbread Man Sensory Bin
- Gingerbread Man Printable Book
A gingerbread man theme is so much fun for the kids. And there are so many gingerbread activity options for preschoolers. Check out my Gingerbread Pinterest board for even more.
Gingerbread Man Lesson Plans
As teachers, our plates are usually pretty full. And when it comes to the holidays? It’s piled high and overflowing! Let Preschool Teacher 101 take a few things off your plate this holiday season. We create comprehensive lesson plans, activity packs, classroom management resources, and much more. All to help teachers like you save time and reduce your stress around planning for the school year.
Our Gingerbread Lesson Plan product includes fun science investigations, literacy activities, math games, and more! Click on the image below for more details about this product.
Below are some other products that are perfect for winter. Click on each cover image to learn more.
If the Gingerbread Lesson Plans seem like they will work well with your teaching style, consider getting a Preschool Teacher 101 membership. Members have regular access to our products at a discounted rate.
Free Printable Gingerbread Man Calendar Numbers
The gingerbread numbers are available to members of Fun-A-Day’s free email community. If you’re a member, fill out the form below and the download link will be sent to your inbox. If you’re not a member, you can join us by entering your information in the form. Then you’ll receive the printable as a welcome gift!
Be sure to check out my printing FAQ page if you run into any issues.
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