Editor's Note: This blog was previously published. We are re-sharing it for a fun holiday-themed literacy-building activity. 

This is a guest post from teacher and blogger Elizabeth Hall. Learn more about Elizabeth by visiting her blog, Kickin' It In Kindergarten.  

During the past few weeks, we have read some fantastic holiday books. We spent an entire week reading and comparing different versions of The Gingerbread Man. I like doing a week of gingerbread stories because it allows you to be “holiday-ish” without talking about Christmas.

Even though you might love Christmas, not every child in your class celebrates it. Gingerbread stories give you the feeling of Christmas, and students don’t feel like they are being left out of a celebration. It’s a win-win situation!

We completed our first "how-to" writing activity after reading Gingerbread stories. The students had plenty of time to compare the characters, discuss the settings, and debate over their favorite story.

We talked about step-by-step writing for the first time. I had every student hold up four fingers. Each time I would use a “writing word,” they would put a finger down. Next, they practiced with their partners. After brainstorming and writing several together, I kept the words up on the board.

We discussed how writers have to use steps to organize their thoughts. I continued to remind them about using their transitional words. Once their creative minds started, they didn’t need much help from me.

We will have many more step-by-step “how-to” writing activities this year. This was our first attempt. I was impressed by how well they did and very happy with how they turned out!!

I hope this blog post with printouts is a resource that will be helpful to you in the classroom! 

 Click here to download my FREE writing template with sequence words. 

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Looking for more books to accompany gingerbread-themed activities? Check out The Gingerbread Man Theme Set. Containing one copy of The Gingerbread Man and three matching informational texts that explore cooking (with a recipe for gingerbread kids), food art, and all sorts of fast-running creatures.  Part of the Story World Real World Series. 

This is my fifth year as a kindergarten teacher. The best part of kindergarten is watching a child fall in love with reading. I am passionate about showing children the possibilities and amazing adventures literature can offer. I love watching their eyes light up when they tell me they can read their favorite book or can’t wait to go back to the library! I have the best job in the world!

I am so lucky to have such a wonderful support system in and out of school. My family lives close by, and I get to spend a lot of time with them! While not at school, I enjoy running, teaching spin classes, swimming, playing kickball, spending time with my husband and traveling. I also have a sheltie named Maggie, which is spoiled rotten. I am married to the best guy in the world, work with wonderful people, and have fabulous students!