Groundhog Day is celebrated in America and around the world every year on February 2nd. People gather to watch as Punxatawney Phil comes out of his den to see his shadow. If he sees his shadow, there will be 6 more weeks of winter. If he doesn’t see his shadow, spring is on its way. Groundhog day activities are a fun way to get kids excited about making predictions and preparing for spring to come. Here is a list of nine activities your kids will love to do this upcoming February 2nd.
Shadow-Themed Groundhog Day Activities
Give your students craft supplies and let them get creative making their own groundhog or person. Find a time of day when the sun shines through the windows, or you can take the kids outside. Have them place their models down and observe the shadow created by the sun.
Shadow Drawing Self Portraits
Use some outside time to trace shadows in chalk on the pavement or give each student a large piece of paper to trace their shadows on. Once their shadow is traced, let them decorate their face and body any way they would like. This is a fun activity to get excited about Groundhog day.
Groundhog Day Activities: Online Games
Let students practice their math and literacy skills by logging online to these fun games. If you use technology during the day, assign these games for fun during centers. The Groundhog Day games are a great way to practice word skills, spelling, science observations, math skills, and more.
Groundhog Reading Time
Incorporate Groundhog Day read-alouds and stories to your classroom as kids learn about shadows, predictions, and the fun holiday. Use some of these elementary read-alouds to captivate students, young and old!
- Go to Sleep,Groundhog!by Judy Cox
- Groundhog Gets a Sayby Pamela Curtis Swallow
- The Secret of the First One Upby Iris Hiskey Arno
- Gregory’s Shadowby Don Freeman
- Gretchen Groundhog,It’s Your Dayby Abby Levine
- Groundhog’s Day Offby Robb Pearlman
Watch a Fun Groundhog Video
Kids love watching informational videos about topics being discussed. Show them this short Groundhog Video to teach them about making predictions and how this tradition started. Ask them what they know about the celebration before you start the video. Then, follow up with questions and allow them to ask questions as well. Let them make predictions about what will happen this spring.
Chart the Weather with Students for Fun Groundhog Day Activities
In the days leading up to Groundhog’s Day, have students chart the weather. Provide them each with graph paper and let them fill out what the weather is each day for a week. You can also complete this activity as a whole class and keep a large weather chart on the board. As the days go on, ask students what they think will happen come February 2nd.
Add Groundhog Day Writing Prompts
Use some of these writing prompts to get students thinking as February 2nd approaches!
- Write a story from the groundhog’s perspective.
- Describe what would happen if another animal represented Groundhog day.
- Do you think groundhog predicts the seasons? Why or why not?
- Write a fun story about the groundhog and his or her family.
- What do you think of when you see your own shadow?
- Write a story predicting the future.
- Describe what you think the inside of a groundhog’s den looks like.
- Do you think the groundhog gets nervous before making his grand entrance? Why or why not?
- In your own words, explain why a groundhog shouldn’t be afraid of his shadow.
- If you had a pet groundhog, what would you do with it?
Dirt Snack to add to Your Groundhog Day Activities
I’m a sucker for tasty treats on holidays. Invite your students to make these yummy dirt cups as an afternoon snack on Groundhog day. The ingredients are simple, and parents will be more than willing to contribute what is needed. The Full Recipe is by Thrilled by the Thought and is a super fun way to learn about the spring tradition. You just need Oreo cookies, powdered sugar, a bit of butter, cream cheese, milk, pudding, and whip cream.
Themed Dress Up Day Groundhog Day Activities
If your school allows, invite students to dress up as groundhogs for the day. There’s no right or wrong answer. Give them a few ideas, and then let them run with their creativity. It will be fun to see what they come up with on the day of. Some may come with small ears, others may lightly paint their faces, and still, others may come in full costumes.
Use these fun Groundhog Day activities to excite your students and make the day a little more fun. While it’s fun to find out if the groundhog saw his shadow, these activities will make the day even better! You will also love 165 EXCITING WRITING PROMPTS ELEMENTARY-AGED KIDS WILL LOVE!
