Libertyville first-graders build gingerbread houses

First-grade students at Butterfield School set aside their books, pencils and notebooks on Wednesday to work with frosting, graham crackers, marshmallows, candy canes and gummies.

As a culmination of a "gingerbread man" unit, the three first-grade classes at the Libertyville school held a gingerbread house decorating activity. More than a dozen parent volunteers set up for the event, with another 40 or so joining in for the decorating. In the classroom, the students have been reading a various versions of "The Gingerbread Man" book, learning about story elements and putting on performances.

Teacher Janine Hogan said one of the best things about the event is "seeing the excitement on the children's faces and having parents here and sharing."

Hogan said the school has been doing this activity for at least five years. Butterfield School parents provided all the items for Wednesday's activity.