Groundhog Day is celebrated in America on February 2 in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania. The legend is that the groundhog comes out of his burrow and if it sees it’s shadow, there will be six more weeks of winter weather. If it is cloudy and there is no shadow, it is an indication of an early spring. Each year we create crafts and make predictions about groundhogs in my kindergarten class. Here are some ideas:
- Pass out sticky notes and have a chart to make predictions on if the groundhog will see it’s shadow or not on February 2.
- Go to the Groundhog Web site to share the history of Punxsutawney Phil and watch the video LIVE STREAM of Punxsutawney. http://www.groundhog.org/ (You can see the replay here also.)
- Use this FREE coloring printable for students to engage in for fine motor skills.
- Sing Groundhog Day Poem (Tune: Frere Jacques)Groundhog Day
Groundhog Day
Is near
Is near
Will he see his shadow
Will he see his shadow
And disappear
Disappear
- You can make the whole day relate to groundhogs by using activities in all subject areas in this GROUNDHOG DAY UNIT.
Make it a fun day! Students remember connections, not lessons.