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I wanted to share a new #holiday with you which takes me back to my grandparent’s house as a child. Join use as we celebrate National Gumdrop Day which falls on February 15th. I don’t know about you but Charlie and I will pass on #Gumdrops. As for David I wouldn’t be surprised if he doesn’t like Gumdrops. What about you?
National Gumdrop Day — February 15– #NationalGumdropDay • Holiday Facts, Lesson Plan & Recipe
Holiday Facts
- Gumdrops have been around since the 1800s. Gumdrops were originally used in baking and candy crafting.
- The classic flavors of Gumdrops include cherry, lemon, orange, grape, and lime.
- There is also a “spice drop” variation that includes cinnamon, clove, and mint flavors.
- I wanted to remind you Gumdrops are often used in gingerbread houses, math manipulatives, and STEM building challenges.
- National Gumdrop Day celebrates creativity, candy history, and hands‑on fun for kids
Homeschool Lesson Plan
Ages: Preschool – Middle School– Theme: Candy Science, Math, Reading & Art
1. Warm‑Up Activity: What Is a Gumdrop?
- Take your children on #FieldTrip to purchase real gumdrops and explore the different colors.
- Ask: What colors do you see? What shapes? How do they feel?
- Introduce vocabulary: translucent, chewy, coated, flavor, texture.
2. Reading Time — Books About Candy & Sweets
Preschool–Early Elementary
- Curious George Makes Maple Syrup (sweet‑themed science)
- If You Give a Mouse a Cookie (cause & effect)
- The Candy Factory Mystery (fun early reader)
Upper Elementary–Middle School
- Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (themes: imagination, invention)
- The Candymakers by Wendy Mass (STEM + mystery)
- Candy Experiments by Loralee Leavitt (perfect for hands‑on science)
3. Math with Gumdrops
Preschool–1st Grade
- Sort gumdrops by color
- Create simple patterns (AB, AAB, ABC)
- Count and graph how many of each color
2nd–5th Grade
- Measure gumdrops using non‑standard units
- Create bar graphs
- Practice fractions using gumdrop groups
Middle School
- Calculate percentages of each color
- Explore ratios (e.g., red to green gumdrops)
- Build geometric shapes using gumdrops + toothpicks
4. Science: Gumdrop STEM Challenge
Challenge: Build the tallest tower using gumdrops and toothpicks. Skills: engineering, stability, weight distribution, teamwork.
Extension: Test which gumdrop color is strongest by pressing gently with a spoon.
5. Art Activity
- Create a gumdrop mosaic using paper cutouts or real gumdrops
- Draw a gumdrop machine and label its parts
- Make a National Gumdrop Day poster for your homeschool wall
Kid‑Friendly Recipe: Gumdrop Cookie Bars– Easy, colorful, and perfect for little helpers
Ingredients
- 1 box yellow cake mix
- 1 stick melted butter
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup chopped gumdrops (avoid black ones for flavor balance)
- 1 tsp vanilla
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Mix cake mix, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla until smooth.
- Stir in chopped gumdrops.
- Spread into a greased 9×13 pan.
- Bake 20–25 minutes until golden.
- Cool completely before cutting (gumdrops get hot).
Optional: Add white chocolate drizzle for extra sweetness.
Books About Gumdrops or Candy Themes (All Ages)
Ages 3–6
- The Jellybeans and the Big Dance
- Curious George and the Chocolate Factory (sweet‑themed fun)
Ages 7–10
Ages 10–14
- The Candymakers
- Candy Experiments (great for homeschool)
Thank you,
Glenda, Charlie and David Cates
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