Groundhog’s Day: 8 Interesting and Informative Ways To Teach Your Students About Groundhog’s Day
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Groundhog’s Day is right around the corner, and you know what that means— it’s time to add some sunshine to your classroom! Whether Punxsutawney Phil sees his shadow or not, you can plan some fun activities to make this Groundhog’s Day a memorable and educational experience for your favorite little ones.
Read on for 8 interesting and informative ways to teach your students about Groundhog’s Day!
1. Groundhog’s Day Storytime
Books are a phenomenal way to introduce new vocabulary and information to young students. Check out these 5 favorites to add to your classroom library this February:
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- A Greyhound, a Groundhog by Emily Jenkins
This is a FUN, FUN, FUN picture book with lots of wordplay and repetitive language. Greyhound meets Groundhog in this silly book, and they have an energetically, exciting time together!
- Groundhog Secrets: Everything You Always Wanted to Know about Woodchucks (Margot the Groundhog and her North American Squirrel Family) by Lieve Snellings
This nonfiction book about Margot the Woodchuck is packed with information and close-up illustrations. So fun to learn all about groundhog life from this adorable creature!
- Groundhog Gets a Say by Pamela Curtis Swallow
This is another fact-filled book, but this one is also packed with lots of silliness! Groundhog and his friends are giving all the scoop about groundhog life…the good, the bad, and the ugly!
- Groundhog’s Runaway Shadow by David Beidrzycki
Phil and his shadow do everything together, but when they have a falling out, Shadow runs off to see the world. This can pose a problem come February 2nd. This is another fun groundhog book with silly illustrations the kids cannot get enough of.
- Ten Grouchy Groundhogs by Kathryn Heling
My students ADORE this groundhog counting book. It is full of alliteration and perfect for teaching words beginning with the letter g, as well as practicing math equations as you read.
2. Groundhog Headband Craft and Activity Booklet
Grab this themed craft and activity booklet for an easy way to cover Groundhog Day— without tons of hoopla and money spent.
Start the booklet the day before Groundhog Day and then complete it on Groundhog Day, while we are wearing your newly made Groundhog headbands!
Two days of activities…no hoopla!
All-Inclusive Booklet to Meet All Your Teaching Needs
This groundhog booklet includes EVERYTHING you need to teach your students about Punxsutawney Phil and his special day:
- Fun facts about groundhogs and Groundhog Day
- Prediction activities- Students will predict whether or not the groundhog will see his shadow. They will also practice making predictions in other situations, to form a concrete understanding of what it means to predict.
- Graphing activity- Take a poll on February 1st. Students will graph the predictions of their classmates and then interpret the data collected.
- Crossword puzzle- Students will use critical thinking skills to review the information learned in the booklet to complete the crossword puzzle. This is a great form of assessment! *word bank included
- Writing prompt- Students will complete a writing prompt that involves higher-order thinking skills.
3. Groundhog Day Shadow Play
Teach your kids about how Groundhog Day works by demonstrating the concept of shadows!
You’ll need a flashlight, a toy groundhog, and a small box or container for this activity.
Turn off the lights in your classroom, grab your supplies, and you’re ready to show how the groundhog’s shadow determines whether it sees its shadow or not.
4. Weather Watch
Discuss the idea of predicting the weather based on the groundhog’s behavior. Have kids make their weather predictions for the coming weeks.
Use this FREE weather prediction activity page to track these predictions and follow along to see how accurate their predictions really are!
5. Groundhog Day Shadow Hunt
On a sunny day, take your kids outside and have them look for their own shadows.
Talk about how shadows are formed and how they change throughout the day.
Discuss the connection between shadows and Groundhog Day.
6. Groundhog Day Scavenger Hunt
Create a Groundhog Day-themed scavenger hunt around your classroom or in an outdoor space at school.
Leave clues related to groundhogs and their burrows for kids to follow and find a hidden “burrow” with treats or small toys.
Even your shyest kids will get excited about this hands-on, movement-based activity!
7. Groundhog Day Snacks
Themed snacks are so much fun for little ones!
Plan this snack with your day’s schedule and your students’ ages in mind. Either prepare the groundhog-themed snacks ahead of time or have your kids assemble their own Groundhog Day treat!
How to Make Groundhog Cookies
Use nutter butter cookies or Vienna finger cookies as the base of the groundhog’s face. Then, add icing and chocolate chunks or candies to decorate the face. Finally, create a “burrow” out of chocolate pudding with Oreo cookie crumbs on top.
Your kids will LOVE this special treat!
*Don’t forget to consider any severe allergies in your classroom!
8. Learn about Hibernation
Take the opportunity to teach your kids about hibernation, as groundhogs are known for their hibernating behavior. Discuss why some animals hibernate and how they prepare for it.
Act It Out!
Expand pretend play skills by encouraging your students to be groundhogs hibernating. Have them act out how they would react on Groundhog Day too!
Use a flashlight to be the sun or shadow to make it extra believable.
Don’t forget to differentiate these activities to best fit your students’ ages and interests. Groundhog’s Day is sure to be a day full of learning and celebrating this year!
Let me know if you have any questions about anything you see here. Don’t forget to pin this post to refer to it later!
Other posts you may enjoy:
How To Easily Accommodate Students With Severe Food Allergies
Celebrating the 100th Day of School In Style
5 Basic Social Skills to Work on in Your Classroom
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Diane Romo
Thank you for being here! I love sharing ideas with other teachers! If you are looking to enhance your teaching and build a positive classroom community, you have come to the right place!
