Gingerbread Men

After hearing many versions of The Gingerbread Man and acting it out in drama, children were invited to make a character from the story in clay.  In this project, the children put to use many of the skills they have been building through playing with clay and learning techniques from Ms. Santos.  

The children were excited to hear that they would be able to take these projects home.  This was motivating and children worked hard and carefully.  There was a lot of drafting and correcting with blending and trying various techniques but the atmosphere was low stress and the table was full of smiles and chatting.  The children delighted in each other’s work and encouraged one another.

There were some aspects of the work that were challenging to many. Many are still learning about torsos and where arms are attached to a body.  Teachers took time last week to work with children on drawing bodies with torsos in order to stretch their understanding of creating a representation of a person with correct form.  

Some made the Gingerbread Man stand up and some made
them flat.

"Mine is called Peg-Leg.  See?
Here is his peg and here is his leg.  He is standing
like this."

After the clay dried, children worked to paint the details-the eyes and mouth and buttons of the Gingerbread Men.  Things are delicate and they have all been flexible if the sculpture breaks or falls apart and they have to fix.  

Ms. Santos to Lorelei: You are doing such careful work.
Olivia: Maybe that is what you will be honored for, Lorelei.  Being careful.

These sculptures will be coming home soon.  They will be fragile.  Please transport carefully and know that a little glue will repair most breakage.