Groundhog Day is a fun holiday observed on February 2nd. It involves a groundhog emerging from its burrow after hibernation. Teachers often incorporate Groundhogs Day into their lessons, using it to explore concepts like shadows, hibernation, and the changing of seasons. Activities might include crafts, stories, songs, and discussions about weather patterns. It's a great opportunity for preschoolers to learn and have fun while celebrating about the fun traditions of Groundhogs Day.
Everyone's buzzing with excitement, wondering if the groundhog will spot its shadow or not.To make this celebration even more thrilling, here's a fantastic FREE Groundhog Day Preschool Activity pack with engaging related activities. This special pack offers a variety of engaging activities, games, and puzzles featuring the groundhog. It's designed to spark the children's imagination, making the celebration not only educational but also fun. The Groundhog Day pack is a wonderful resource for teachers, parents, and caregivers to enhance the festivities and create lasting memories for the preschoolers, fostering a love for learning through play.
Groundhogs Day Fun and Facts
Groundhogs Day gives early educators the opportunity to naturally introduce making predictions to preschoolers. Discuss with your preschoolers that according to tradition, if the groundhog sees its shadow, there will be six more weeks of winter. If not, spring will come early. It's a playful way to engage children in learning about seasons and weather prediction. Here is a fun fact to share with your preschoolers, the most famous groundhog, Punxsutawney Phil, has been making weather predictions since 1887! Use your product chart to have a shadow or no shadow column and have preschoolers make their predictions prior to Groundhogs Day.
Groundhogs Day Craft Idea
Invite your preschoolers to make their own groundhog with this simple step by step idea:
Materials: Gather brown construction paper, googly eyes, markers or crayons, scissors, glue, and popsicle sticks.
Steps:
- Trace and cut out a big circle from the brown paper for the groundhog's body.
- Cut out a smaller circle for the head.
- Attach the head to the body using glue.
- Stick on googly eyes and draw a cute nose and smile with markers or crayons.
- Glue the groundhog onto a popsicle stick to make a puppet or stick it on paper for display.
We love the simplicity of this craft and the opportunity for preschoolers to personalize and decorate their groundhog as they'd like!
Groundhogs Day Songs and Rhymes
Checkout this list of Groundhogs Day songs, rhymes, and chants that you can use with your preschoolers to celebrate Groundhogs Day.
Groundhog Day by: Jack Hartmann
Groundhog Day by: The Kiboomers
I'm A Little Groundhog by: The Kiboomers
Silly Groundhog Dance
Groundhog Day Printables and Activities
Take a look at a few of the activities included in the free printable pack.
Shape Clip CardsPreschoolers identify the shape on the tummy of each little groundhog and then clip the matching shape at the bottom for an engaging way to practice shape recognition. You can find this activity inside of the Free Groundhogs Day Printable Pack. | Free Groundhog Day Printable Activities |
Groundhog Shadow Matching Activity
This activity is a fun way for preschoolers to practice shape discrimination. Match the groundhog with it's shadow! | Free Printable Groundhog Day Activities |
Group Survey
After learning about groundhogs take a survey!This activity can be done with a small group or have your preschooler do this sheet at home with their family. | Free Groundhog Day Activities |
Outdoor Exploration
. Take a Nature Walk:
- Take a walk in a nearby park or nature reserve.
- Look for signs of animal activity, like tracks or burrows.
- Encourage kids to observe changes in the environment, such as budding flowers or remaining snow.
Observing Animals and Their Behaviors:
- Set up a bird feeder and watch different bird species. Discuss how animals prepare for different seasons.
- Observe squirrels or other small animals, noting their movements and behaviors.
- Look for animal tracks in mud or snow and try to identify them together.
Encouragement for nature-based learning can include:
- Share the excitement of discovering nature with your preschooler and ask open-ended questions about what they observe.
- Integrate Groundhog Day by discussing hibernation and how animals adapt to changing seasons.
- Use nature as a learning resource to explore concepts related to Groundhog Day, such as shadows and weather changes.
- Emphasize the value of outdoor exploration for physical activity, curiosity, and connecting with nature.
Groundhog Day Storytime
Groundhog DayCelebrate Groundhogs Day with this fun book teaching preschoolers all about this fun tradition. |
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Groundhogs
Learn all about the habitat of a groundhog through this educational picture book. |
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Groundhogs Day Off
Groundhog takes a much needed vacation...who is going to fill his spot? This is such a fun and silly book that celebrates groundhogs day. |
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If you're looking for more ideas that include animals, hibernation, and winter head to our selection of Winter Preschool Book Ideas.
Simple and Child-Friendly Groundhog Day Snack Recipes
Cooking with kids is a fantastic way to engage them in a sensory and educational activity.
Fruit and Cheese Groundhog Snacks:
- Cut out circles of cheese and place them on a plate.
- Use grapes or blueberries for eyes, a small carrot slice for a nose, and pretzel sticks for ears to create a groundhog face.
Groundhog Cookies:
- Make cookie dough (store-bought or homemade).
- Roll out the dough and use a groundhog-shaped cookie cutter.
- Bake according to the recipe and let cool.
- Decorate with icing and edible eyes.
Groundhog Cupcakes:
- Bake chocolate cupcakes and let them cool.
- Frost with chocolate icing.
- Use candies and edible markers to create groundhog faces.
Cooking with preschoolers can be a fun and educational experience. These Groundhog Day treats not only provide a yummy snack but also offer a chance for little ones to engage in the kitchen while learning about Groundhogs Day in a hands-on way.
Wrapping Up Our Groundhogs Day Celebration
By exploring shadows, weather changes, animal behaviors, and nature's signs, they develop a deeper understanding of the world around them. Encouraging their curiosity, creativity, and love for nature fosters a sense of joy and excitement for learning. Groundhog Day becomes more than just a day on the calendar; it's a celebration of curiosity, learning, and fun, creating lasting memories for these young learners.
What are some of your favorite Groundhogs Day Celebrations? Share them with us in the comments.
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