Groundhog Day



What is a groundhog?
* Groundhogs are members of the squirrel family.
* They are also called woodchucks and whistle-pigs.
* Groundhogs have four toes on their front feet.
* They have five toes on their back feet.
* Groundhogs travel on land most of the time, but they can also swim and climb.
* They have 3-5 babies a year.
* When groundhogs get scared, they let out a high-pitched warning whistle.
* Groundhogs usually make two underground dens, or burrows, one for winter and one for summer.
* The burrows have several "doors" so that they can escape from their enemies.
* They also have separate rooms for sleeping, pottying, and caring for the babies.
* They hibernate in their burrows from October to March.



Word Families:
-ight: light, fight, might, night, right, sight
-ow: shadow, bow, row, low, show, snow, mow




Groundhog Day
(sung to the tune of "Mr. Sandman")
Mr. Groundhog, give us a sign.
Will it be winter or will the sun shine?
Will we be inside with the fireplace glowing?
Will we be outside with the flowers growing?

Mr. Groundhog, give us a sign.
Will it be winter or will the sun shine?
Oh, Mr. Groundhog, give us a sign!




Ask the children to predict whether or not the groundhog will see his shadow.