December 4
You Can't Catch Me!
Christmas Traditions from Our Family to Yours
In Jefferson County WI!
The Only words needed in today's Advent Countdown envelope were; "Run, Run, Run, You Can't Catch Me! and an ear to ear grin could be seen around the world! My children know that means it is Gingerbread day! Children learn best by experimentation and getting all their senses involved; touch taste, smell, sound and sight.
And Gingerbread Day is filled with exactly that!
And the day begins with the story of the Gingerbread Man. I don't read it, I just tell the story and let the childrens imagination take over. Act it out and be silly! Let the children take turns being the different animals or the gingerbread man. It's a great story to create a tag game outside from!
Then on to stimulate the senses!
Activities:
Gingerbread Play Dough ~ Your children will love this recipe! It is cooked so they get to measure, stir and kneed the warm wonderfully scented gingerbread dough. Make cookies, decorate them with tiny pon poms, googly eyes and rick rack then let them dry. Or, place it in a Ziploc and it will last for the entire month. As always, just lay out the supplies then back off and let the childrens imagination take over.
Building a Gingerbread House ~ Of course the day 
would not be complete without building a gingerbread house! Don't get all caught up in making it perfect. Use a kit or graham crackers and icing! Just have fun.
Ginger, Cinnamon, nutmeg and clove grating ~ How many children know what a nutmeg looks like, or a ginger root for that matter (Many adults don't!)? Since graters are too dangerous for most children, I create a large sanding block by stapeling a large sheet of very course sand paper to a piece of plywood about 9 x 11. Then set out some real ginger root, nutmeg nuts, whole cloves and cinnamon sticks. Let the children sand away! It's an amazing sensory experience for them that helps them learn about the world around them.
Stories: My favorite author for this day is Jan Brett. Her stories are beautifully illustrated and fun to read. Check out her website!
Gingerbread Play Dough Recipe:
2 Cups Flour
1 Cup Salt
1 tbls Cinnamon
1 tbls Nutmeg
1 tbls Ginger
1 tsp Ground Clove
3 tbls Cream of Tarter
1 1/2 Cups Water
2 tbls Oil
Directions; In large pan, mix all dry ingredients. Add oil to water, pour over dry ingredients. Cook over medium heat until consistency changes from sticky to a clump of dough. Allow to cool slightly. Place 1/4 cup flour in front of each member of the family. Divide dough evenly among all members (yep, you too!). Kneed and have fun!
December 4
You Can't Catch Me!
Christmas Traditions from Our Family to Yours
In Jefferson County WI!
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