Candyland Gingerbread Houses
A Magical Activity for Children 

This activity can be used in the classroom for teachers and school counselors. It is also a wonderful activity for parents to use for their children at home over the holidays. I show my school teachers how to do this holiday activity for the month of December. 

Candyland Gingerbread House Activity for School Counselors, Teachers, and Parents for December



Rationale: This is truly one of the most magical activities I have ever done with elementary school children as a teacher and a school counselor. It takes some preparation and a lot of candy but the children will never forget this wonderful holiday experience.  

 

Your students will never forget the magic you help create with this activity. So put the "teaching and textbooks" aside for an hour this year! Children need to have some fun in school, especially during the holidays. 

I used this activity as the main event at our Elementary Winter Party just before Winter Break. I played holiday music and parents often came to help. At the end of the party the students had a lovely gingerbread Candy Land to take home for decoration. Of course, some students preferred to eat it!

Materials Needed for the School Counselor / Teacher / Parent Candyland Activity:

Assorted Colorful Candy

Gum Drops

Licorice

Life Savers

Peppermints

M & M’s

Candy Canes

Skittles

Colored Small or Large Marshmallows

Chocolates

Lollipops

Candy Sprinkles

Other Items Per Child:

1 Sugar Cone Per Child

Six to Seven Graham Cracker Cookies Per Child

1 Can of White Frosting Per Child

1 Empty and Washed Small Milk Container (The One Served at School) Per Child

1 Very Sturdy Paper Plate such as Chinett Brand Per Child

1 Plastic Knife Per Child

1 Plastic Grocery Bag or Pretty Clear Plastic Gift Bag Per Child

Directions: 

1. I usually get the school lunchroom trays and use one for each child. I put the assorted candy on each tray for each child. I also put the 6 to 7 graham crackers, one sugar cone, one paper plate, one milk carton, and one can of frosting with a plastic knife.

2. Each child can do this activity on their own, however, you may want to have some parent volunteers come in to help. I used to put these directions on the overhead and read it to the children as they assembled their own personal candy land.

3. Turn your plate upside down. This will be the base of your Candyland.

4. Take the plastic knife and spread ½ can of the white frosting on the upside down part of the plate.

5. Now, put your milk carton on the frosting (Clean out and staple the opening before hand.).

6. Frost your milk carton and add the graham crackers to the sides and top. The top will only need ½ of the graham cracker.

7. Frost the milk carton with the graham crackers attached. It should start to look like a house.

8. Next, put your ice cream cone upside down on the plate and frost it. This will be your tree. Green sprinkles look great on the tree.

9. Here comes the fun part! You can now add the candy and sprinkles to create your own fantasy candy land!

10. Allow your candy land creation to set and then place gently in a plastic bag. It looks very pretty when you get a clear or tinted plastic gift bag and tie the top of it with a fibbon.

Note: Students can take this home as a party favor to enjoy over the holiday season.

I have used this activity for years as an elementary school teacher, a school counselor, and a parent. One of my fondest memories was when I gave a Candyland Holiday Party for my son when he was seven. He invited three friends over to the house and we made the Candyland Gingerbread houses. My son has never forgotten this magical activity!

So if you want to be the best teacher, school counselor, or parent, try this wonderful activity. Your children will never forget this magical activity during the holidays. Also, this activity is multi cultural. All cultures can have fun with candy and gingerbread.

 

(c) Copyright 2013 by Creative Counseling 101.com

---

School Counselor / Teachers Guidance Lessons

---

Creative Counseling 101.com Home

---

Disclaimer: This website and its content is intended for trained licensed mental health professionals and school certified mental health professionals to use for their clients / students at their own discretion.

*If you ignore the disclaimer above are using these techniques on yourself and you feel any discomfort or upset it is highly suggested that you seek out a licensed  mental health professional immediately.

"Beyond Art Therapy" is the concept from Dr. Stangline that combines all creative fields in therapy. It is not the traditional "art therapy" but goes beyond to include sand tray therapy, play therapy, mindfulness, meditation, color therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, and a vast majority of other therapies.

For any other type of mental health emergency call your local 911 / Police Number immediately.

Dr. Stangline does not offer advice / suggestions to anyone who is not a professional mental health provider, or a student who is studying this field and has questions about mental health programs of study.