On December 2 the Shanksville-Stonycreek first grade classes became creative constructors using frosting, candy canes, and M&M’s to build gingerbread houses to celebrate the holiday season.

Year after year, students in first grade at Shanksville get to put their creativity to the test with a gingerbread house making activity. This has been a tradition at Shanksville for over 15 years, and continues to be an exciting event. With the help of volunteer parents, the students were given supplies such as frosting, graham crackers and candy, along with parental assistance in their building process.

The gingerbread houses are created using simple supplies, which do not actually include gingerbread. Empty milk and lemonade cartons were used for the base of the structure, then graham crackers were pasted onto the carton with vanilla frosting. After the graham crackers were placed on the carton, it was time for the students to come up with a design for their structure, using lifesavers, M&M’s, candy canes and many other types of candy.

“I really liked getting to build a gingerbread house with all sorts of candy, and I was really happy my mommy got to come help me make my gingerbread house,” said first grade student Gracie Hufford.

Making tasty treats can get very task-demanding for first graders, but once the students were finished being constructor’s they were able to relax and enjoy a holiday movie together.

“It went well, let’s just say it was another big success it was a nice time for students to enjoy school,” added first grade teacher Ms. Hatison.

This year’s gingerbread house project was a big hit for all of the first grade students, like it has been in years past. The students were very excited to put their building skills to the test, and were very proud of their results. Thanks to the students’ parents and their teachers, the first graders were able to complete a fun, holiday activity that allowed them to use their creativity building a sweet masterpiece.