08.02.21

Activity 1:

This week I would like your child to create and decorate their own gingerbread man. You may bake, draw, paint or create one out of playdough. It is up to you and your child. 

Activity 2: 

It would also be great if your child could create a bridge to help the gingerbread cross the river so he doesn't have to to use the fox. You may create a bridge out of Lego, Duplo, sticks, blocks, stickle bricks... anything. You then may use your gingerbread man from activity 1 to act out the scene of where he uses a bridge instead of the fox to cross the river. You may also create a river to go under your bridge. 

As the story I will be reading on Monday is The Gingerbread Man, it would be great if you could bake and decorate some gingerbread men.  

Ingredients 

• 350g/12oz plain flour, plus extra for rolling out 

• 1 tsp bicarbonate of soda 

• 2 tsp ground ginger 

• 1 tsp ground cinnamon 

• 125g/4½oz butter 

• 175g/6oz light soft brown sugar 

• 1 free-range egg 

• 4 tbsp golden syrup 

To decorate 

• writing icing (optional) 

• cake decorations (optional) 

Method 

1. Sift together the flour, bicarbonate of soda, ginger and cinnamon and pour into the bowl of a food processor. Add the butter and blend until the mix looks like breadcrumbs. Stir in the sugar. 
2. Lightly beat the egg and golden syrup together, add to the food processor and pulse until the mixture clumps together. Tip the dough out, knead briefly until smooth, wrap in cling film and leave to chill in the fridge for 15 minutes. 
3. Preheat the oven to 180C/160C Fan/Gas 4. Line two baking trays with greaseproof paper. 
4. Roll the dough out to a 0.5cm/¼in thickness on a lightly floured surface. Using cutters, cut out the gingerbread men shapes and place on the baking tray, leaving a gap between them. 
5. Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until lightly golden-brown. Leave on the tray for 10 minutes and then move to a wire rack to finish cooling. When cooled decorate with the writing icing and cake decorations, if using. 

You may bake an alternative if you and your child prefer. Please use to ingredients that are accessible for you. 

Baking is a great activity to help your child, positives of baking: 

> Number work- counting, recognising numbers, measurements, language (full, half, tea/table spoon) 

> Language- talking about what your are doing, verbs, first, next, lastly, naming equipment, asking your child to repeat words and phrases 

> Hygiene- washing hands, tying hair back, apron,  

> Safety- oven, kettle, sharp items, oven gloves