It’s that time of year where we’re burrowed indoors and spending cozy days and nights with loved ones. Basically, it is the perfect time to celebrate Groundhog Day! To help preschoolers and toddlers prepare for this fun tradition, we’ve compiled 10 Groundhog Day crafts and activities to help you and your little ones celebrate. Whether you make groundhog puppets or learn the science behind shadows, be sure to check to see if Punxsutawney Phil sees his shadow on February 2nd!
1. Shadow Science
While Punxsutawney Phil hunts for his shadow, little ones can learn about the science behind a shadow, too! This Groundhog Day activity for preschoolers from Pre-K Pages gets them moving, teaches them about body awareness, and demonstrates how shadows work.
Start by taking a wagon ride to a sunny spot in the neighborhood or park. Then, have little ones create body shadows by calling out shapes or dancing to music. Watch as their shadows change shapes and sizes as they block sunlight from different positions. Don’t worry, this activity can be done indoors with a flashlight if going outside isn’t an option. Keep the fun going by finding things indoors and outdoors that have shadows.
2. Burrow In!
If this past year has taught us anything, it is to enjoy the slow, cozy moments with loved ones. This February 2nd holiday is the perfect excuse to put on your pajamas, grab a few books, and burrow in with your little ones. For a true groundhog experience, kids can drape blankets over chairs, tables, or a scooter and fill the space with stuffed animals and pillows to create their very own burrow.
3. Little Learners
This list of 11 books will help little learners understand the origins and traditions of Groundhog Day through interesting and educational picture books. This list compiles fiction and nonfiction books perfect for Pre-K to 2nd grade readers. Stories range from groundhogs that go on strike to the customs behind the tradition. What is your favorite Groundhog Day book?
4. Search for Shadows and Words
Teri, from A Cupcake for the Teacher, is a teacher who celebrates Groundhog Day with her class through word searches and surveys to see how many students think the Groundhog will see its shadow. Check out her free printable word search on her blog.
5. Peak-A-Boo Groundhog
This craft from Easy Peasy and Fun will lead to plenty of giggles as toddlers play Peak-A-Boo with their very own groundhog. Using a plastic cup, cotton balls, paper, and a popsicle stick, little ones can create an interactive groundhog craft with the help of a parent or grandparent. Make one or a few for pretend play or even a puppet show!
6. Shadow Theatre
Help your toddlers learn about shadows through a DIY shadow theatre from Motherhood on a Dime. All you need is two chairs, a white sheet, and a lamp. Hang the sheet across the two chairs and backlight the sheet with a lamp so toddlers can take turns going behind the sheet to make shapes and experiment with shadows.
For a fun twist, you can turn your shadow theatre into a family game! Have each child choose a few items from their room. Taking turns, each toddler can then take one item and secretly hold it behind the sheet. From there, the family can try to guess what the object is by looking its shadow. Pack and transport your props from the playroom to the “theatre” with your Little Red Toy Wagon.
7. Shadow Matching Activity
Tot Schooling has a fun printable shadow matching activity for toddlers and preschoolers. This Groundhog Day activity helps little ones practice visual discrimination through a matching. There are easy, medium, and advanced ways to do this activity depending on the child’s age and skill level.
8. Handprint Craft
This handprint Groundhog Day craft from The Educators Spin on It will delight toddlers as they get to dip their hands and feet in paint! Using brown paint, little ones can stamp a piece of paper with their foot to create the body of a groundhog. Then, when that dries, use hands in green paint to create a grassy landscape. When all the paint is dry, little ones can decorate their masterpiece for added creativity. Plus, this adorable craft makes a great keepsake or gift for grandparents!
9. Groundhog Puppet
This interactive puppet craft is perfect for preschoolers. Kids can use common household items like a brown paper bag and construction paper to create their groundhog puppet. Feel free to embellish with googly eyes or pipe cleaners for a 3D-look if you have any!
After making this craft, little ones can go outside and find their puppet’s shadows or put on a show that predicts if Punxsutawney Phil will see his shadow. PS: The 3-in-1 Off-Road EZ Fold Wagon® with Canopy makes for a perfect puppet theater. Simply put it in bench mode and have the puppeteers sit behind the upright wall of the wagon. Kids can use the bench as a place to rest their elbows or hold their props.
10. Coloring Pages
Katie from A Little Pinch of Perfect has free printable coloring pages for little ones to predict if spring is coming or if there are 6 more weeks of winter. This is a perfect Groundhog Day craft for toddlers to learn about Groundhog Day!
Whether you paint, read, or shadow dance, we can’t wait to see how you and your family celebrate the fun tradition of Groundhog Day. Let us know if you tried any of these activities for preschoolers and toddlers by tagging @radioflyerinc in your photos on social media.
