Learn About Spices:

The main spices used when making gingerbread are ginger, cinnamon, cloves and nutmeg! Even if you choose not to bake for this Theme Day you can take these spices out of your cupboard for your kids to smell and examine.

Did you know...?

In the 11th Century returning crusaders brought back the concept of spiced breads from the middle East.

Read more about the history of gingerbread here:

http://easteuropeanfood.about.com/od/crossculturaldesserts/a/gingerhistory.htm

http://www.pbs.org/food/the-history-kitchen/history-gingerbread/

http://thedecoratedcookie.com/2012/12/gingerbread-kids-and-the-history-of-gingerbread-cookies/

http://epicureandculture.com/gingerbread-houses-history-and-traditions/

Here’s a great nonfiction book about spices for kids:

The Biography of Spices, by Ellen Rodger, Crabtree Publishing Company, 2006—a learning book that explains what spices are and gives some interesting historical facts about them.

For a little video about the fascinating origins of fragrant spices watch this:

The first documented account of gingerbread men or figures was at the court of Queen Elizabeth I of England who allegedly served them to foreign dignitaries. She would have the biscuits decorated in the likeness of the important guests!

Click below for a video on the history of Gingerbread houses:

Gingerbread

LEARNING ACTIVITIES

In the 17th Century it was very common to bake the gingerbread in various shapes like hearts and stars.

Did you know...?

The tradition of making gingerbread house appears to have started in Germany in the 1800s. To see some pictures of amazing gingerbread house check here:

http://www.gingerbread-house-heaven.com/

Print out my Gingerbread Spices Printable and together as a family fill in this sensory worksheet.

Or Print out a Spices Worksheet and explore other spices with your kids.