"The Gingerbread Man" delights children with its action and fanciful storyline. The fairy tale serves as the inspiration for preschool and early elementary lesson plan ideas. Literature-based activities engage the students with an entertaining yet educational tone. Provide several copies of the story to allow the kids to explore it during quiet time in the classroom.

Story Comparisons
The classic tale of "The Gingerbread Man" served as the inspiration for more modern versions of the story. Choose one of the modern versions, such as "The Cajun Gingerbread Boy" or "Gingerbread Baby." Read both the original version and the updated version to the class. Compare the stories, identifying both similarities and differences. A Venn diagram offers a simple way to document the comparison.

Story Sequencing
Story sequence focuses on logic and allows the students to retell the story. Create a set of picture cards that highlight the major events from "The Gingerbread Man." Mix up the order of the cards. After reading the story once, have the kids help place the picture cards in the correct sequence. Ask the kids to describe the action in each picture to ensure it makes sense. Reread the story if necessary so the kids can arrange the pictures in the correct order.

A similar option is to create felt board pieces that relate to the story. Cut the main characters out of felt. Let the kids use the felt pieces to retell the story, moving them on the felt board as they talk.

Gingerbread Cookies
Decorate gingerbread cookies as a culminating activity for "The Gingerbread Man." If you have baking facilities at the school, let the kids help mix the gingerbread dough and cut out the cookies. Working in small groups with adult assistants allows the kids a greater degree of participation. After the cookies are baked and cooled, let the kids decorate them. Provide icing and candies for accents. Hold a gingerbread cookie parade before eating them so each child can show off his gingerbread creation.

Gingerbread Puppets
A simple gingerbread man puppet provides the students with a tool for dramatic play activities. Create a template for the students on a piece of card stock. The students practice fine motor skills by cutting out the gingerbread men. Encourage the kids to color the puppets, adding accents with markers or pieces of construction paper. Glue a craft stick to the back of the puppet. These paper gingerbread men work well for retelling the story or creating new stories.