Groundhog Day Activities: Fun and Educational

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Do you need a few fun and educational groundhog day activities to keep your k or 1st graders busy? Of course, Groundhog Day is the perfect opportunity to bring some seasonal fun into your kindergarten and 1st grade classrooms while sneaking in a little learning along the way.

Whether Punxsutawney Phil predicts more winter or an early spring, these hands-on groundhog day activities will keep your little ones engaged and excited. So here are some fun and educational ideas to celebrate Groundhog Day with your students.

Groundhog Day Activities

Groundhog Day Activity and Science

Turn Groundhog Day into a science lesson by watching Light and Shadow video with the kiddos.

Shadow Science Experiment for Kindergarten

Then explore shadows with a simple and interactive science activity. Here’s what you’ll need:

  • A flashlight (or a sunny spot by the window!)
  • Groundhog cutouts or stuffed animals
  • A white sheet of paper or a wall

For example, have students take turns shining the flashlight on the groundhog cutout to create shadows. Discuss why shadows appear and how they change based on the light’s position. This activity is a great way to incorporate early science concepts into your lesson plan. Check out another science idea for winter here.

Groundhog Day Activities with Fiction

Groundhog Day Activities Read Aloud Time

Storytime is always a hit, and there are plenty of Groundhog Day books to choose from. Some popular picks include:

  • Groundhog Day! by Gail Gibbons
  • Groundhog Weather School by Joan Holub
  • Ten Grouchy Groundhogs by Kathryn Heling

After reading, ask your students to share what they learned about Groundhog Day traditions and discuss how weather impacts our lives. Be sure to grab the free comprehension questions to help you plan other comprehension questions or to send home with parents.

Best Groundhog Day Activities Art Project

After reading a few fiction groundhog day stories, create a fun craft project! Help your students create their very own groundhog crafts using:

  • Construction paper hearts
  • Googly eyes
  • Glue, scissors, and markers

This activity sparks creativity and helps with fine motor skills.

Groundhog Day Activity Movement Game

Combine fun and physical activity with a groundhog-themed movement game. Create a “groundhog burrow” using hula hoops or masking tape on the floor. Call out commands like:

  • “The groundhog sees its shadow! Hop back into the burrow!”
  • “No shadow! Skip outside for an early spring!”

This is a fantastic way to get your students moving while reinforcing the day’s theme.

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    Groundhog Day Activity with Research and STEM

    Create a KWL chart and research groundhogs. Then have the kiddos share their learning and record what they have learned.

    Then have the kiddos plan a groundhog burrow and create a burrow with recycled materials. It’s a great way to combine all parts of the curriculum and conclude your groundhog day study.

    Groundhog Day might be a quick blip on the calendar, but it’s a wonderful chance to introduce seasonal concepts in a way that’s both educational and fun. With these groundhog day activities, your students will not only learn about this quirky tradition but also practice key skills in science, math, literacy, and creativity. Who knows? You might even inspire a future meteorologist or two!

    Do you have any other fun ways to celebrate Groundhogs Day? Be sure to comment and let us know!

    Teach Magically,

    Debora

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