Gingerbread Story Builder | Picture Cards, Story Board & Rhymes

Quick Answer

Build a runaway gingerbread story with three picture choices! Children choose a gingerbread character, who it runs away from, and how the story ends. A simple story board and matching rhyme cards support oral storytelling, retelling, and playful group participation during your preschool gingerbread theme.

What’s Included

This 9-page printable PDF includes:

• A three-part story board: “My gingerbread…” / “ran away from…” / “Then…”

• 4 gingerbread characters: man, baby, girl, and cowboy.

• 8 chasers: baker, farmer, cow, horse, pig, dog, fox, and coyote.

• 8 ending cards with possibilities such as outsmarting the fox, crossing the river safely, getting soggy, riding away on a horse, and going home with the baker.

• 4 matching rhyme cards, with book titles and author credits.

• An activity overview and teacher guide with preparation tips, teaching suggestions, and Preschool Vibes standards.

The 20 picture cards measure 3 × 4.25 inches and print four to a page. The four rhyme cards print together on a separate page.

How to Use

Print at Actual Size / 100% with automatic page orientation, cut out the cards, and laminate if desired. Invite children to place one gingerbread, one chaser, and one ending on the board. Keep the matching rhyme card beside the board, model the words, and invite children to join in.

Swap the middle card to add another character to the chase and repeat the rhyme before choosing an ending. Use the pictures to revisit a familiar book or mix the choices to tell a new class story. Start with two choices in each category when children need a smaller selection. Use during small groups, circle time, or an adult-supported storytelling center.

Why It Works

The pictures give children concrete choices to talk about and a visible order for their story. Repeated rhymes offer a familiar part everyone can join. Children can participate by pointing, moving a card, repeating words, or adding their own ideas—without a written response. Changing one card gives the group a new story to tell together.

Preschool Vibes Standards

• 3A. We can listen and respond during group times, stories, and conversations.

• 3E. We can retell events or tell a story using details (beginning, middle, end with support).

• 4B. We can talk about stories, characters, and pictures using details.

• 4G. We can play with sounds in words (rhyming, syllables, beginning sounds).

• 8C. We can use our hands and fingers to build and manipulate materials.

• 9C. We can engage in dramatic play with roles, storylines, and props.

Digital Download

This is a printable PDF resource. No physical materials or storybooks are included.