DLTK's Fairy Tales Activities
The Gingerbread Man
Run, Run as fast as you can! You can't catch me I'm the gingerbread man!
Enjoy the timeless adventure of the Gingerbread Man with this classic story, perfect for storytelling, felt board, or puppet shows. Explore the thrilling escapades of the runaway gingerbread man with our collection of coloring pages, crafts, and more. Share the fun with children of all ages, and captivate young listeners with this beloved fairy tale.
Gingerbread Man pictured 
Includes a 5 day lesson plan suitable for preK-Gr2
Includes printable worksheets such as glyphs, gingerbread measuring units and graph pages
The History of "The Gingerbread Man"
"The Gingerbread Man" is a classic fairy tale that has delighted audiences for generations with its adventurous and whimsical narrative. The story follows a gingerbread man who comes to life and embarks on a runaway adventure, only to be ultimately outsmarted by a cunning fox.
Origins
The exact origins of "The Gingerbread Man" are somewhat unclear, but the tale is believed to have European roots. It first appeared in print in the 19th century. The earliest known written version of the story was published in the May 1875 issue of St. Nicholas Magazine, a popular children's publication in the United States.
Plot Summary
The story typically begins with an old woman baking a gingerbread man, who miraculously comes to life. He escapes from her kitchen and runs away, singing a taunting refrain to those who try to catch him. As he runs, he encounters various characters, including a cow, a horse, and several people, all of whom he eludes while repeating his signature chant. The story reaches its climax when he meets a fox who cunningly offers to help him cross a river, only to ultimately eat him.
Themes and Variations
"The Gingerbread Man" is a tale rich with themes of cleverness, escape, and trickery. Over the years, the story has been adapted and retold in numerous variations across different cultures. Some versions of the tale feature different characters or settings but retain the core elements of the gingerbread man’s flight and eventual downfall.
Cultural Impact
The story has become a staple in children's literature and continues to be a popular subject for books, plays, and animated films. It has also inspired various adaptations and parodies in modern media, maintaining its relevance and charm.
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