If you’re wondering how many weeks of winter are left, ask a groundhog! Groundhog Day, celebrated on February 2nd in the United States, is a great opportunity to connect curriculum with a fun theme!
What is Groundhog Day?
Groundhog Day was first celebrated in the mid 1800’s, by the Pennsylvania Dutch. The day focuses on predicting if spring will come early, or if winter will continue for a few more weeks. This “prediction” isn’t science-based, but rather is made by a groundhog named Phil Punxsutawney.
Phil was given his name in 1961, his last name referencing the townofPunxsutawney, Pennsylvania, where the Groundhog Day celebrations take place. On February 2nd every year, Phil emerges from his burrow; if he sees his shadow, he will return to his den and there will be six more weeks of winter. If he doesn’t see his shadow, it means an early spring!
This fun predictor in western Pennsylvania is a cultural tradition in the United States and Canada. Celebrate it with fun learning activities and projects!
Groundhog Day Pop-up Puppet for Grades 1–3
This hands-on art project instructs students on how to create a pop-up groundhog puppet so they can make their own predictions about the weather! Using art supplies like popsicle sticks, construction paper, and an included template for the groundhog, students will make their puppet with or without a shadow to represent their predictions.
For more Holiday-themed art projects like this one, check out Holiday Art Projects on the Evan-Moor website.
Get your free download of this activity here!
The Contest/El concurso Language Unit for Grade 3
Practice language skills with this unit, which features a one-page short story written in both English and Spanish. After reading the story about a Groundhog Day competition, students will complete comprehension activities that will reinforce their language skills, critical thinking, and vocabulary development.
Reading and comprehension is one of the best ways to practice language skills; find more language units like this one in Spanish/English Read and Understand from Evan-Moor.
To get this language unit for free, click here.
I Predict… Writing Activity for Grades 2–5
This creative writing activity challenges students to write a story about Groundhog Day from the groundhog’s perspective. After reading a short prompt, they’ll get to use their creativity and imagination to determine where the story goes. Share with the class on groundhog day! Practice writing skills with more fun prompts using Giant Write Every Day: Daily Writing Prompts.
Download this prompt and reproducible creative writing page here.
Additional Ground Hog Day Activities
Statistics and Predictions
As a class, take a vote on who thinks the groundhog will see his shadow and who thinks he won’t! Write it down on the board and keep a tally, then as a class react to the groundhog’s prediction. What percentage of the class voted correctly? This is a great opportunity to incorporate some math curriculum!
Shadows and Science
Groundhog Day is also a great time to discuss the science of light and shadows. During different times of the day, go outside and have students outline each other’s shadows with chalk. Then, at the end of the day, compare and contrast the shadows and discuss why they move, grow, and shrink. Have students write down their observations. If it’s a cloudy day, use flashlights or lamp light indoors to manipulate shadows!
Download this Shadow science activity for grades 1–2 from Read and Understand Science grades 1–2.
What if the Groundhog Wasn’t a Groundhog? Creative Writing Activity
Have students create their own Groundhog Day holiday! What animal would it be? Would they look for their shadow or something else? What are they predicting? What is the history behind this made-up holiday? This creative writing activity involves imagination, critical thinking, and organizational writing skills. Have students present their holiday to the class!
Read about Groundhog Day as a class with these colorful and fun book recommendations:
Groundhog’s Day Off by Robb Pearlman for Grade K–1: When Groundhog gets fed up with everyone waiting on him, he takes off for a vacation. But who will replace him to predict if winter is over?
Substitute Groundhog by Pat Miller for Grade K–2: Dr. Owl diagnoses Groundhog with an ill-timed flu right before Groundhog, leaving everyone in a scramble to find a substitute!
With fun reading, writing, art, and hands-on activities, students can learn about Groundhog Day while still developing curriculum-related skills. Download your free activities from Evan-Moor and check out each activity’s workbook for more fun activities.
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Leave your prediction for Groundhog Day in the comments!
Christine Wooler has experience working with children as a youth soccer coach and summer camp counselor. She is currently studying English Literature and journalism in college. She enjoys exploring educational topics that help students have fun while learning.
