ART

Groundhog Puppet- Submitted by Anna

Brown popsicle sticks, Green paper, Brown paper lunch bags or construction paper, Stryrofoam cups

If green consrtuction paper is 8x11 cut it so its just a little taller than the styrofoam cup. Have the children fringe one side of it and glue it around the cup, so that the fringed end is on the top. Have the children draw a face on the popsicle sticks, and then cut out 2 small ears (arc shaped, with flat bottom), and glue to the back of the face. Make a small hole in the bottom of the cup and insert the popsicle stick groundhog into it the children can make him come out of the ground, and go back in.

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Groundhog's Home- Submitted by Anna

1 box big enough for a child to fit into, anything you want to use to decorate it

Have the children decorate the outside of the box using whatever you wish. (Crayons, paints, markers, stencils, things to glue, etc.) Once its decorated, have the children take turns being the groundhog, by going into the box and popping out.

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Shadow Mail Project- Submitted by Anna

Sheets of paper big enough to copy a child's figure on, Postage stamps

Have someone hold a flashlight so that the child's shadow is cast onto the paper and trace it. Have them cut it out and if they like, draw their face on it. Last year, I had them put a picture of their face on it. Then we take a trip to the post office and send it home to each family with a note explaining that its _________'s shadow who took a trip through the mail.

Another variation on this is to send it home with a letter asking parents to send it to a family member or a friend, which then takes the 'shadow' out and puts it somewhere and takes a picture with the shadow, and sends the picture back to the child whose shadow it is. Then the child can bring the picture in to share with the group.

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Groundhog Masks- Submitted by Anna

Paper plates, Brown paint, Black markers, Popsicle sticks

Cut out 2 eyes on the paper plate, and have children paint it brown and then draw a mouth and nose on the face. Glue the popsicle stick to the bottom so that it could be used for a handle.

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Groundhog Adventure Book

Paper folded and stapled at one end or holes punched at one end and threaded with yarn, Crayons and markers, Child's imagination

Give each child a 'book' and on the cover write, or have them write (if they can), The Adventure's of (Child's Name) Groundhog. Have them draw pictures of what they would do if they were a groundhog and then ask them to tell you about the pictures they drew and write it on the page the picture is on.

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Make A Groundhog- Submitted by Becce

Collect several 2 liter bottles Wrap brown construction paper around the bottle and tape it closed. Use wiggly eyes, crayons, construction paper, pom poms, etc. to make the groundhog When done slide it off the bottle. Find a groundhog shape and make a paper bag puppet.

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Groundhog Puppets- Submitted by Becce

Using brown construction paper, cut groundhog faces about 1 1/2 in across. Spread glue on face and attach thin whisps of cotton to represent fur. Glue on paper eyes, nose and mouth. Attach to a popsicle stick. Cut a slit in the bottom of a sm paper cup & have the children push the bottom of the stick into it. Show the children how to make the groundhog appear & disappear.

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Groundhog Puppets- Submitted by Becce

Use felt-tip markers to draw groundhog faces on the top halves of tongue depressors. Give them each a small paper cup with a slit in the bottom. Have them push the bottoms of their tongue depressors through the slits in their cups. Show them how to move their sticks up & down to make their groundhogs appear & disappear.

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If I Were A Groundhog- Submitted by Becce

Have the children draw pictures of what they would do if they were groundhogs & saw their shadows. Ask them to describe their pictures as you write down their stories on their papers.

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Art- Submitted by Becce

Have the children make a groundhog with a styrofoam cup or paper cup. Use a styrofoam ball or just use construction paper, straw, felt pens, glue, and scissor. Glue a circle to the straw, decorate a face on the circle to resemble a groundhog. Place a hole in the bottom of the cup. While holding the cup upright, stick the straw down into the cup and out the hole in the bottom.

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Groundhog Mask- Submitted by Becce

Have children color a paper plate brown & then cut out holes for the children's eyes. Cut a nose & mouth from construction paper & glue on plate. Punch a hole on each side of the plate & attach yarn. Tie around child's head.

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Brown Playdough- Submitted by Becce

Mix up a batch of brown playdough & sculpt groundhogs

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Groundhog Stick Puppets- Submitted by Becce

Cut out a groundhog & color it brown. Tape to craft stick. Discuss that on February 2nd, it is believed that the groundhog comes out of his burrow. If the sun is shining, he seas his shadow & there will be six more weeks of winter weather. If it is cloudy, the groundhog cannot see his shadow, so he will come out & that is a sign of an early spring.

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Groundhog Mask- Submitted by Becce

Color a paper plate brown and then cut out holes for the children's eyes.Cut a nose & mouth from construction paper & glue on plate. Punch a hole on each side of the plate & attach yarn and tie around each child's head.

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Ground Hog Craft- Submitted by Becce

A Ground Hog coloring picture or blank paper, markers, scissors, craft stick or popsicle stick, glue or tape, Paper cup, brown paint.

Have the children paint the cup brown....set aside to dry. Let the children color their picture of the ground hog (or draw one of their own) and have them cut it out. Next have them glue or tape the back of the picture to a craft stick. When the cup is dry cut a slit in the bottom of the cup and insert the craft stick through the slit so the ground hog is inside the cup. Now the children can make the ground hog peek in and out of his "hole" to look for its shadow.

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Mural- Submitted by Becce

Make a large mural of an underground area, including such details as tree roots, rocks, and animal burrows and tunnels. Have each student make a small groundhog to place on the mural and give it a name. Brainstorm a title for the habitat such as "Woodchuck Acres Estates." Label all the items found in the mural. (This could also be done as a bulletin board.)

Do a yes-no graph and have students vote on whether they would like six more weeks of winter. This can be done easily by drawing a line down the center of a large piece of tagboard and labeling one side "yes" and the other side "no". At the top of the graph write the question, "Do you want six more weeks of winter?" Each student can vote by clipping a clothespin labeled with his or her name on the appropriate side of the graph.

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Groundhog Day Art- Submitted by Cindy

With groundhogs of their own, your youngsters will be able to experiment with shadows in groundhog style! In advance, collect several plastic, two-liter bottles. To make a groundhog, wrap a large sheet of construction paper around a two-liter bottle, and then tape the paper closed. Use art supplies (such as construction paper, wiggle eyes, pom-poms, buttons, and markers) to decorate, and then slide it off the bottle. Encourage children to take their groundhogs outside on a sunny day and on a cloudy day. Then have them try making different kinds of shadows by moving their groundhogs around.

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Shadow Art- Submitted by Becce

Discuss things pertaining to the groundhog and his shadow. Then make silhouettes/shadows of each student with the overhead projector, black construction paper, and chalk. Then laminate, cut, and send the projects home for Valentine's gifts.

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Groundhog Art Project- Submitted by Sherry

Use two small white paper plates. One you will cut one in half, using a wavy line, the other is uncut. The children will sponge paint the front of the uncut plate blue, for the sky. Sponge paint the back of the half plate brown, for the ground. Now find a small picture of a groundhog (no taller than the half plate) and glue to a craft stick.

Staple plate and half plate together (front to back) then insert groundhog stick between the two (bottom center). When you push the stick up, the groundhog pops up, when pulled down, he runs back into his hole.

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SONGS

Making Shadows- Submitted by Sherry
(Melody: Twinkle, Twinkle)

Shadows big and shadows small
I see shadows on the wall
Shadows here and shadows there
Lots of shadows everywhere
All the shadows that I see
Big or small they don't scare me.
Shadows. shadows - oh what fun.
I can make them in the sun
I will make some big and small
I make shadows by the light
In my room so late at night.

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Here's a Little Groundhog Submitted by Anna
(Sung to "I'm a Little Teapot")

Here's a little groundhog,
Furry & brown,
He's popping up
To look around.
If he sees his shadow,
Down he'll go.
Then 6 more weeks of winter-Oh No!

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Groundhog Day Song- Submitted by Becce
Put some swing into spring when you teach youngsters this song!
(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!

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Here's A Little Groundhog- Submitted by Becce
sung to "I'm A Little Teapot"

Here's a little groundhog,
furry and brown,
He's popping up
to look around.
If he sees his shadow,
down he'll go.
Then six more weeks of winter
- oh, no!

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Groundhog, Groundhog- Submitted by Becce

Groundhog, Groundhog, popping up today.
Groundhog, Groundhog, can you play?
If you see your shadow, hide away.
If there is no shadow, you can stay.
Groundhog, Groundhog, popping up today.
Groundhog, Groundhog, can you play?

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Look All Around- Submitted by Becce
Sung to: I'm a little teapot

See the little groundhog,
Furry and Brown.
See the little groundhog,
Look all around.
If he sees his shadow,
down he goes.
There's more winter,
Little Groundhog knows.

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Little Groundhog- Submitted by Becce
Sung to Little White Duck

There's a little groundhog
Who lives in the ground,
A little groundhog
Who likes to look around.
She comes outside on
Groundhog's Day
If she sees her shadow,
then she runs away.
There's a little groundhog,
Who loves to stay and play
When spring's on its way.

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Can You Play?- Submitted by Becce
Sung to: Frere Jacques

Little Goundhog, little groundhog,
Can you play, can you play?
Popping up your head, Popping up your head,
Can you play? Don't run away.
Little Groundhog, Little groundhog,
Can you play, can you play?
Running all around, On the cold hard ground
Can you play? Please, please stay!
Little groundhog, little groundhog,
Can you play, can you play?
You can't see your shadow,
You can't see your shadow,
Here comes spring, hip hurray!

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I'm a Little Groundhog- Submitted by Becce
Sung to: I'm a Little Teapot

I'm a little groundhog,
Furry and Brown.
When winter comes
I sleep underground.
I'm curled up
As cozy as can be.
When it's spring,
Please wake me!

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Nine Little Groundhogs- Submitted by Becce
Sung to: Ten Little Indians

One little, two little, Three little groundhogs,
Four little, five little, Six little groundhogs,
Seven little, eight little, Nine little groundhogs,
Sleeping down under the ground.

Have fun singing this song with loud voices, with "inside voices", with whisper voices, & then with "lip" voices (lips move but no sound comes out).

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What Is a Shadow Fingerplay- Submitted by Becce

If I walk, my shadow walks.
(Use two fingers, in walking motion)
If I run, my shadow runs
(Same fingers in running motion)
And when I stand still, as you can see
(Same fingers, standing still)
My shadow stands beside me.
(Use first two fingers on other hand and stand beside the first two fingers)
When I hop, my shadow hops,
(First two fingers, hopping)
When I jump, my shadow jumps
(Same fingers, jump)
And when I sit still, as you can see,
(same fingers, bend at knuckles to sit.)
My shadow sits beside of me,
(Use as before, both sets of fingers sitting beside each other. )

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Mr. Groundhog- Submitted by Becce
Sung to Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star

Mr. Groundhog in the ground.
Pop your head up, look around.
Do you see your shadow?
Look up high and look down low.
Mr. Groundhog in the ground.
Pop your head up, look around.

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Groundhog Song- Submitted by Becce
Sung to: Oh, My Darling Clementine

Mr. Groundhog, Mr. Groundhog,
Where are you today?
Mr. Grounghog, Mr. Groundhog,
Are you coming out to play?
If your shadow you do see,
Will you run away and hide?
Then more days of winter
We'll expect to see outside.

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Groundhog- Submitted by Becce
(sung to: Camptown Races)

Who is scared of his shadow?
Groundhog, Groundhog!
Who can make the winter go?
That's the groundhog, too.
If his shadow shows,
Six more weeks of snow.
Little groundhog, do not fear,
Spring will soon be here.

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I'm A Little Groundhog- Submitted by Becce
(Tune: "I'm A Little Teapot")

I'm a little groundhog, it's my day.
Wake and stretch; go out and play.
Down in my burrow, down so deep,
Time to wake up, from my long winter's sleep.
Grumble, grumble, scratch, scratch,
(dramatic action)
Grunt, grunt, yawn.
I'll eat my breakfast in your front lawn.
I'm a little groundhog, it's my day.
Wake and stretch; go out and play.

*****

Five Groundhogs- Submitted by Becce

The first groundhog digs a home in the fall,
And curls up all winter rolled up like a ball.
The second groundhog comes out of his lair.
On February second to get some fresh air.
The third groundhog looks up at the sun.
He then sees his shadow and goes on the run.
The fourth groundhog at his dark shadow peeks,
He goes into his deep home for six more weeks.
The fifth groundhog hopes that skies will be gray
So that he'll know that spring's on its way.

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Wake Up Song- Submitted by Becce
(Tune: Twinkle Twinkle Little Star)

Wake up, Groundhog.
Time to see
What the weather's
Going to be.
Time to stretch,
Time to think,
Time to eat,
And time to drink.
Wake up Groundhog,
Time to see
What the weather's
Going to be!

*****

The Little Groundhog- Submitted by Becce
Sung to the tune of "Pop goes the Weasel."

The children will all curl up on the floor and "snore" and "pop" as the song indicates.

Sleeping, sleeping in the ground,
All winter long,
The little groundhog sleeps so sound.
Snore! Goes the groundhog!
Sleeping, sleeping in the ground,
All winter long,
The little groundhog stetches and wakes.
Pop! Goes the groundhog!

He rubs his eyes, and looks around
What does he see?
He sees the sun so bright and warm.
Pop! Goes the groundhog!

He's sleeping, sleeping in the ground,
All winter long,
The little groundhog sleeps so sound,
Snore! Goes the groundhog.

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Here's A Little Groundhog- Submitted by Becce
(sung to I'm a Little Teapot)

Here's a little groundhog, furry and brown,
He's popping up to look around,
If he sees his shadow, down he'll go,
Then six more weeks of winter - Oh, no!

Do this poem with a puppet groundhog, made by gluing a picture of a groundhog on a craft stick and inserting the craft stick in a paper cup, poking the stick through a hole in the bottom of the cup.

*****

Groundhog Day- Submitted by Christi

Old Groundhog stretched in his leafy bed.
He turned over slowly and then he said,
"I wonder if spring is on the way,
I'll go and check the weather today.
If I see my shadow between eleven and noon,
I then will know that I'm out too soon.
I'll crawl back in bed for six weeks more,
Pull up the warm covers and snore and snore.
But if no shadow gives me a scare,
I know that spring is in the air,
I'll wake my friends and wish them cheer,
With glorious news that spring is here."

*****

The Second of February- Submitted by Christi

There's only the day the whole long year,
That I hope and pray the sun won't appear.
The second of February, you all know,
The groundhog goes searching for his shadow.
If he should find it, the story is told,
We'll have six more weeks of winter's cold.
But if it is cloudy, his shadow's not there,
There'll soon be warm weather and days will be fair.
So please, Mr. Sun, for just this one day.
Find a big dark cloud - and stay away!

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The Groundhog- Submitted by Christi

The funny little groundhog
Digs a home in the fall,
And hides there all winter
Rolled up in a ball.
On February 2nd
He comes out of there
To look at the sky
And to sniff the air.

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See My Shadow- Submitted by Christi
(to the tune of "Frere Jacques")

See my shadow,
See my shadow,
Move this way,
Move this way,
Doing things that I do,
Doing things that I do,
Follow me,
Follow me.

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To the Groundhog- Submitted by Christi

Will you
Won't you
See your shadow?
Will it
Won't it
Really matter?
Do you
Don't you
Grin to see
People
Take you
Seriously?

*****

Groundhog's Holiday- Submitted by Christi

The second month, the second day,
We know is Groundhog's Holiday.
The keeper of the local zoo,
Photographers, reporters, too,
Anxiously await together
Woodchuck's forecast of the weather.
Each year this time he leaves his hearth,
His home beneath good Mother Earth.
He wiggles out to see the sun
And sure enough - ask anyone-
Should he perchance his shadow see,
Back to his home again he'll flee.
And that sign's still the surest thing
Six weeks must pass before it's spring!

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Shadow Time- Submitted by Christi
(to the tune of "The Itsy-bitsy Spider")

The furry little groundhog
Goes in his hole to sleep,
Through the cold winter's
Snow and ice so deep,
In February
He stretches to and fro,
Does the furry little groundhog
Get scared by his shadow?

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Mr. Groundhog's Shadow- Submitted by Christi

A groundhog lives down deep in the ground.
He sleeps through the winter.
And every year about this time,
He wakes up and wonders,
"Is it time to get out of bed
Or pull the covers back over my head?"
So he pokes his head up out of the ground.
Will he see his shadow?

*****

Groundhog, Groundhog- Submitted by Christi

Groundhog, groundhog,
Funny little ground hog,
Peep from your warm winter den.
Sunshine, sunshine,
Bright and yellow sunshine,
Back to sleep and hide your head.
Groundhog, groundhog,
Funny little ground hog,
Peep from your warm winter den.
Cloudy, cloudy,
Overcast and cloudy,
Spring's on the way it's said.

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Little Groundhog- Submitted by Christi
(to the tune of "Little White Duck")

There's a little groundhog
Who lives in the ground,
A little groundhog
Who likes to look around.
She comes outside on Groundhog's Day
If she sees her shadow, then she runs away.
There's a little groundhog,
Who loves to stay and play
When spring's on its way.

*****

Little Groundhog- Submitted by Christi

I'm a little groundhog
Short and stout.
On Groundhog Day
I always come out.
If the sun is shining
My shadow, I will see.
If the sun's not out
Then you'll only see me.
Shine, sun, shine
Winter's here for six weeks more.
Shine, sun, shine
Because I want to snore.
If you do not shine
And my shadow's not out,
Spring is here!
Everybody will shout.

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I'm a Little Groundhog- Submitted by Christi
(to the tune of "I'm a Little Teapot")

I'm a little groundhog short and stout,
February second I will come out.
If I see my shadow they will shout,
"Six weeks more winter without doubt!"

*****

I'm A Little Groundhog- Submitted by Christi
(to the tune of "I'm A Little Teapot")

I'm a little groundhog, it's my day.
Wake and stretch, go out and play.
Down in my burrow, down so deep,
Time to wake, from my long winter's sleep.
Grumble, grumble, scratch, scratch,
Grunt, grunt, yawn.
I'll eat my breakfast in your front lawn.
I'm a little groundhog, it's my day.
Wake and stretch, go out and play.

*****

Here's a Little Groundhog- Submitted by Christi
(to the tune of "I'm a Little Teapot")

Here's a little groundhog, furry and brown,
He's popping up to look around.
If he sees his shadow, down he'll go.
Then six more weeks of winter - Oh No!!

*****

Groundhog Day- Submitted by Christi

Groundhog, groundhog,
What do you seek?
As out of your hole
You quietly peek.
If the day be fair
Your shadow will be
Cast on the ground
For all to see.
And back to your lair,
You'll quickly creep
And for six long weeks
Again you'll sleep.
But if we're lucky,
The sky will be gray,
And your shadow
Today will be far away.
Then all of us
Will dance and sing.
'Cause just around the corner
Here comes Spring!

*****

Mr. Groundhog's Day- Submitted by Christi

On February second
The groundhog looked about
The sun was shining brightly
But his shadow wasn't out.
Mr. Woolly Bear was watching
The groundhog search around
"Mr. Groundhog look behind you
Your shadow's on the ground."
"Hooray", the groundhog shouted
"For once we both agree
Six more weeks of winter weather
Six more weeks of sleep for me."

*****

Groundhog- Submitted by Christi

The groundhog emerges on February two
To see if the sky is sunny and blue.
It seems rather funny
That if it is sunny
The groundhog goes back in his hole
For six weeks of winter.

*****

Mr. Groundhog- Submitted by Christi
(to the tune of "London Bridges")

Mr. Groundhog down below,
Pop up through the fluffy snow,
See his shadow watch him go,
Winter's here to stay.
Mr. Groundhog down below,
Pops up through the fluffy snow,
Wide awake he wants to play,
Spring is on it's way.

*****

Groundhog Day- Submitted by Christi

A shy little groundhog left his bed,
Heigh Ho! Heigh Ho!
"It must be time for spring," he said.
He looked to the left, he looked to the right,
The day was clear and the sun was bright;
He saw his shadow and ran in fright.
Then back to his burrow he crept, he crept,
And six more winter weeks he slept.

*****

Fun on Groundhog Day- Submitted by Christi

There are shadows you make in the sunshine,
There are shadows you make by the lamp,
There are shadows that lurk in the forest
While you tell creepy stories at camp.
There are shadows that help you with puppets,
And shadows; you make just for play,
But the shadow that's famous is Groundhog's,
When he tells whether winter's to stay.
Let's go out very early this morning
And watch for his shadow, my son;
It may not be at all scientific,
But you've got to admit that it's fun!

by Barbara Walker

*****

Groundhog Day- Submitted by Christi
(to the tune of "Where is Thumbkin? / Frere Jacques")

Where is groundhog? Where is groundhog?
(Thumb behind back)
Here I am! Here I am!
(Bring thumb forward)
Shadows on this sunny day,
(wiggle thumb)
Frighten groundhogs all away.
(Thumb behind back)
Winter will stay! Winter will stay!
Where is groundhog? Where is groundhog?
(Thumb behind back)
Here I am! Here I am!
(Bring thumb forward)
My, oh my, a cloudy day.
(Wiggle thumb)
I will stay outside to play.
(Move thumb around)
Spring is near! Spring is near!

*****

DRAMATIC PLAY

Create A Groundhog Tunnel- Submitted by Becce

Cut a hole in each end of a large cardboard box. Have the children crawl in one end and out the other end. - Set up a maze in the classroom by using tables and chairs. Children can pretend they are groundhogs crawling through their tunnels. - Since groundhogs are known for poking out of holes, let children sample some foods with holes, such as bagels or Swiss cheese. - Discuss groundhogs and other animals that live underground. Make a list of animals that live in a burrow as groundhogs do. If possible, display nonfiction books and pictures that show the different sections into which a burrow is divided, such as a sleeping area and a place to store food.

*****

Groundhog Tunnels- Submitted by Anna

Anything you could use to form a trail (chairs, tables, etc.)

Make a 'maze' around the room and have the children crawl through it like a groundhog does in their tunnels.

*****

Just for Fun- Submitted by Becce

On a sunny day, go outside and look for your own shadow! Make "wall shadows" by turning off the lights and using a flashlight to project shadows on the wall! For "colored shadows," place colored cellophane over your flashlight and fasten with rubber band. Play the "Shadow Game" - choose somebody to be IT. Everyone else runs around and the person who is IT has to try and step on their shadows!

*****

Shadows- Submitted by Anna

A globe or a world map, Flashlight

Explain to the children how when its day on one side of the world, its night on the other side, and demonstrate with the globe how night and day works.

When children arrive for the day, ask them if today is a good shadow day or are their shadows hiding. Turn the lights off and ask the children if they can find their shadows, you may have to shut the blinds for this to work. Then turn on the lights and ask them to find their shadows. Turn them off again after they are found and ask where they think their shadows have gone.

*****

Shadow puppet Show- Submitted by Anna

Flashlight and your imagination

Have someone hold the flashlight so it shines on a blank wall, and have 2 children make shadows out of their hands and put on a puppet show. You can also make shadow puppets and have the children try to guess what it is your making.

*****

Make A Groundhog's Home- Submitted by Becce

Find a box large enough for a child to crawl in & let them decorate it like a groundhog's home. Paint it , draw trees on it, etc.. Then let them pretend to be grounghog's crawling in & out of their "hole"

*****

Imagine- Submitted by Becce

Let a child pretend to be a groundhog and "pop" out of a cardboard box. Light directed at the "groundhog" will produce his shadow. One time the child can see his shadow & "pop" back down & another time he will not see it so the "groundhog" stays up to "play".

*****

Mr. Groundhog- Submitted by Becce

Let the children take turns being Mr. Grounghog popping out of his hole (a larger cardboard box) Arrange room so that you can create or take away a shadow. Overhead lights would eliminate a shadow & a low light aimed directly at the "groundhog" would create a shadow.

*****

Groundhog Tunnel- Submitted by Becce

Cut a hole in each end of a large cardboard box. Have children crawl in one end & out the other end.

*****

Groundhog Surprise- Submitted by Becce

Use a cardboard box big enough that a child can sit in it. Have child get in the box and close the top flaps. Have the rest of the children recite the following poem: Groundhog, groundhog,
What do you think?
Will the sun be shining,
Or cloudy today?

Use the light switches in the classroom. If the lights are on, the groundhog (child) will see his/her shadow and go back inside. If the lights are off, the groundhog (child) won't see his/her shadow and will come outside. Change it around so that the child inside wonders whether the lights will be on or off.

*****

Shadow Hand Play- Submitted by Becce

Use an overhead projector or film projector. Experiment on how to hold your hands to make different kinds of animals. Then hold your hands in front of the light projector & project the shapes onto the wall or a screen. See if children can guess what the shapes are supposed to be.

*****

Shadow Play- Submitted by Becce

Make sure children do this in a place where they can see each other's shadows. Have them try to step on each other's shadows. What is a Shadow? Here are some materials that can be placed in the learning centers in addition to your regular materials. Provide a pan of dirt (use a sand & water table if available) for children to dig groundhog tunnels.

*****

Groundhog, Groundhog- Submitted by Becce

Let the children take turns popping up out of a cardboard carton "burrow" as everyone recites the poem below. Groundhog, Groundhog,
popping up today. Groundhog,
Groundhog, can you play?
If you see your shadow, can you stay?
Groundhog, Groundhog,
popping up today.
Groundhog, Groundhog, can you play?

If desired, arrange room so that you can create or take away a shadow. Overhead lights would eliminate a shadow and a low light aimed directly at the "groundhog" would create a shadow.

*****

GAMES, MATH, & SCIENCE

Graphing- Submitted by Anna

Make a graph titled "Six more weeks of winter, yes or no" And have each of the children answer it and mark their answers down on the chart.

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Hot Dog- Submitted by Sherry

This game is Punxsutawney's version of "Hot Potato." Arrange students in a circle. Give one student a stuffed groundhog, or a picture of a groundhog taped to a stick. As the music plays the students pass the groundhog around the circle. When the music sto ps the student holding the groundhog is OUT. Play continues until there is only one Groundhog King or Queen left.

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Toss the Hog- Submitted by Sherry

The trek to the knob is over, the crowd has gone home. Phil, the famous weather prognosticator, has made this decree. Now what? How do you get that groundhog back in its hole? Well...we would suggest that you "TOSS THE 'HOG!"

You will need one ball decorated as a groundhog (use a groundhog toboggan cap pulled over a small playground ball or tape on groundhog features or draw them), a classroom wastepaper can (decorated as Punx'y Phil's burrow - use black or brown construction paper), and a masking tape line on the floor.

Have the contestants line up at the indicated spot. Each contestant line up at the indicated spot. Each contestant gets three chances to send the 'hog home! Sort students into categories according to their success (0, 1, 2, or 3 'hogs in the can). have st udents with the highest numbers of successful throws continue competing until there is a winner. Vary the distance, number of throws, etc. to make the game more or less difficult. The prize could be a groundhog cookie, a pencil, or a certificate proclaimi ng the person King or Queen of the 'Hog Tossers!

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Spring or Snow- Submitted by Sherry

Spring or Snow is an easy game which asks students to try to predict Phil's prediction. Even though the real prediction is known only by Phil, students will have fun trying to outwit Punxsutawney's famous weather prognosticator.

Each student should have two cards - one depicting a spring scene and one depicting a snowy, winter scene. The teacher should have several spring and winter cards in a bag. After asking the students to make their predictions by holding up the appropriate card, the teacher pulls one card out of her bag.

Students whose predictions do not match the teacher's prediction are OUT. The game continues in this fashion until only one student is left. That student is named PHIL'S ASSISTANT WEATHER FORECASTER and is given a groundhog prize or a PHIL hat to wear.

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Groundhog Bingo- Submitted by Sherry

Bingo is entertaining any day of the year and "Groundhog Bingo" is most appropriate and fun for February 2nd. Prepare game cards with 25 squares and the letters P-U-N-X-Y across the top. Place a picture of a groundhog in the center free space. Randomly place 24 of the following holiday related words in the squares:

weather, famous, Punxsutawney, top hats, queen, Groundhog Rock, celebrate, king, Feb. 2nd, prognosticator, winter, prophet, trek, spring, banquet, legend, burrow, February, Gobbler's Knob, forecast, groundhog, shadow, animal, The Movie, seer, sun, Phil, Inner Circle, six weeks, Groundhog Punch, meteorologist, mammal, two winters, Candlemas Day, whistle pig The winner may receive a groundhog cookie or a pencil as a prize.

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Sshh! Silent Groundhog- Submitted by Sherry

If Phil predicts six more weeks of winter, he scurries back into his cozy burrow on Gobbler's Knob for six more weeks of sleep. Try not to awaken Phil during his hibernation as your students play SSHH! SILENT GROUNDHOG. Decorate a soft classroom ball to look like Phil or put a groundhog toboggan cap over a foam ball. The students position themselves around the room and toss Phil to each other. If a student misses the ball, he is out. If a student makes a poor toss by thr owing an uncatchable ball, the pitcher is out. Any student who talks, or makes any noise, thereby threatening to awaken Phil, is also out.

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Sand Table Play- Submitted by Anna

If you have a sand table, have the children make groundhog tunnels in it.

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Groundhog's Burrows- Submitted by Sherry

For a math manipulative for Groundhog Day, I took a shoebox and cut 5 holes in the lid, inserting a toilet paper tube in each hole. These represented groundhog's burrows. I covered the box with green and brown paper, and wrote #'s 1-5 by each "burrow". Then I made 15 little "groundhogs" by gluing little google eyes on 1" tan pompom balls. I added little pompom noses and tiny white teeth. The children were to put the appropriate number of groundhogs into each burrow: ie, one groundhog into the burrow marked "1", three groundhogs into the burrow marked "3", and so on. They loved it!

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Groundhog Tunnel Game- Submitted by Becce

Have the children line up in a row. To form a tunnel, have them stand close together with their legs apart. Let the last person in the row be the groundhog. Have the first groundhog through the tunnel on his or her stomach. When the groundhog reaches the end of the tunnel, have him or her stand up & become a part of the tunnel while a new groundhog starts wiggling through.

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Shadow Tag- Submitted by Becce

Let the children play shadow tag on a sunny day. Choose a child to be "it". Have "it" try to step on another child's shadow. Then "it" steps on someone's shadow, that child becomes the next "it".

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Science- Submitted by Becce

Have the children explain how shadows are made or explain it to them.

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Shadow Making- Submitted by Becce

Explain to the children that shadows are caused by objects that get in the way of the sun or a bright light. Shine the light from a film projector, a slide projector or a lamp on a bare wall. Turn off the lights in the room. Let the children stand in front of the bright light & experiment with making their own shadows. Ask them to make big shadows, little shadows, animal shadows and moving shadows.

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Groundhog Maze- Submitted by Becce

Set up a maze in room by using tables & chairs. Kids can pretend they are groundhogs crawling through their tunnels.

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COOKING AND FOOD

Food Ideas- Submitted by Anna

Groundhogs like to eat grass and other greens, so for snack or lunch, make a salad using 2 or more types of lettuce. Serve with Beef Stew made in a crock pot. I did this last year and explained to the children that since the winter is so long, the stew would take a long time, kind of like the winter.

Stew Recipe

Stew beef, flour, Carrots, Onion cut up or the 'baby' onions, Potatoes, diced, Water or beef broth, Salt and pepper to taste, Bay leaf

2-3 lbs. Of stew beef cut into cubes. Place into crockpot and stir to cover with flour so that all the beef is covered with it. Add the water or beef broth, enough to cover the beef and the bay leaf. Stir so it looks cloudy. Add the vegetables on top of the beef and turn crockpot on high for aprox. 4-5 hours. You may have to add water to the stew mid way through cooking, but not so much to completely cover all of it. Stir occasionally through out cooking.

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Holey Foods- Submitted by Anna

Since groundhogs pop out of holes, have a "Holey" day. Serve food with holes in it like swiss cheese, cheerios and donuts, etc. and have the children come in wearing something with a hole in it like a sock, or pants with a rip in the knee, if they have something, but stress to the parents that if they don't have anything its ok J

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Groundhog Day Dirt Pie- Submitted by Sherry

One box of instant pudding -- mix according to directions Place into four bowls. Crush 4 chocolate graham crackers squares (crush till fine crumbs or looks like dirt) Sprinkle on top of the pudding in the dish. Glue a small picture of a groundhog on a Popsicle stick. Place in the center of the bowl of pudding and you have -- A groundhog on his mound dirt pie. Happy eating!

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Groundhog Lunches- Submitted by Becce

Groundhogs like to nibble on grasses & other greens that grow near their burrows. For "groundhog lunches". Make watercress & romaine lettuce salads to eat with a favorite dressing.

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Shadow Cookies- Submitted by Becce

Give children two different types of cookie dough. (Refrigerated sugar & chocolate chips cookie dough would work well.) Make two balls & push them into each other. Flatten the cookies and bake them to create a shadow cookie.

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Making Shadows- Submitted by Becce

Using chocolate chips and butterscotch or peanut butter chips, let the children create shadows. Using the light colored chips have them make a small shape, & next to it, use the darker chips to create it's shadow. The shadow may be larger than the original shape.

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Groundhog Stew- Submitted by Becce

4 lbs. beef for stew, cut in 1 1/2" cubes 1 lb. carrots sliced 2 1/2 lbs. potatoes, quartered 1/2 lb celery, chunks 1 onion diced In large pan, cook the beef in water until it is almost done. Add vegetables and cook until tender. Two envelopes of brown gravy mix can be added for extra flavor.

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Food With Holes- Submitted by Becce

Since grounghogs are known for poking out of holes, let children sample some foods with holes such as donuts, bagels, or swiss cheese.

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Groundhog Cupcake- Submitted by Sherry

Students ice cupcakes with chocolate frosting. Add 2 vanilla wafers to the back of the cupcake for ears; add 2 marshmallows to the front of the cupcake for teeth; add 2 M&M's for eyes.

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MISC ACTIVITIES

Shadow Project- Submitted by Becce

Have the children make their own "shadows" out of black bulletin board paper. I send each "shadow" home with the children with the following letter:

Daycare Parents: Let me introduce myself, I am ____________'s Shadow. My name is Flat _________________. I would really enjoy it if you would send me through the mail, to one of your family members or friends that live out of town. Please ask them to take me to two or three points of interest around their town and take a picture of me. (They can use tape and tape me up or prop me up against something. Get creative!!)

I would also appreciate a picture of me with them and one with __________________ and their family. I also have a mini- journal that I would like someone to write about where I've gone and all of my adventures. You can send this letter with me, so it can help explain.After that, please have them fold me up and send me, the journal, and the pictures back to ____________________ by March 10th.

At that time, I will get with ______________________ and their class and talk about my adventures, read my journal and look at my pictures. Other Flat Kids are going to other places and getting their pictures taken, I can't wait to find out where I'm going!!!

Thanks for taking care of me!
Signed,
Flat _________________________

PS: If you have any questions about this fun project, please let Sharon (____________'s teacher) know! She'll be more than happy to help!

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CIRCLE TIME

Talk About Shadows- Submitted by Becce

Big, small, alike, different, making one at night, on a cloudy day, etc. Make shadows with blocks and a flashlight or anything with a flashlight

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Talk About The Groundhog- Submitted by Becce

A groundhog is a furry animal that is bigger than a cat. It is also called a woodchuck. Groundhogs are vegetarians, They dig tunnels under the ground and sleep there all winter. They eat alfalfa & clover.

The groundhog, known also as the woodchuck or the marmot, grows to be over two feet long and weighs 8 to 12 pounds.

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The Groundhog Was Once a Hedgehog?- Submitted by Sherry
By Brenda Hyde

Groundhog Day, which is February 2, is one of those fun "holidays". Many of us are knee deep in snow and feeling rather cooped up. The Christmas holidays are long gone and the spring thaw is still a ways off. So, it's a fun day to observe. Is that what they were thinking in the 1800's when the Pennsylvanians first decided to observe Groundhog Day? I'm not sure about that but, each year people in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania wait for Phil the Groundhog to make his appearance. If he sees his shadow he retreats for another 6 weeks of winter. Tales have been told, poems have been written, Presidents have visited and even a movie has been made. Phil is a popular guy.

However, legend has it that the animal predicting 6 more weeks of winter in Europe long ago used to be a hedgehog. But the groundhog was in America, and available, so he became our animal of choice. It wasn't anything personal, the hedgehog is a lovely animal, but groundhogs do the job well for us.

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What is a Groundhog?- Submitted by Sherry

A groundhog is actually a woodchuck, or Marmota Monax, as it's officially known. It grows up to 24 inches long and lives in North America. It eats plants all summer long and then after the first frost, the groundhog hides in it's burrow and sleeps through the winter, living on the body fat it has gained throughout the summer, until it's time to roam again.

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Track the Weather- Submitted by Sherry

a week or two before groundhogs day predict what the weather will be like and then on ground hogs day see if your predictions were right you can also predict to see if the ground hog will see his shadow..

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Is Today a Shadow Day?- Submitted by Becce

Check the weather outside today and ask the children if today would be a good day to see your shadow.

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Books- Submitted by Christi and Sherry

Shadow Magic By Danata Montanari & Giovanna Mantegazza,

Bear Shadow by Frank Asch

Wake Up Groundhog by Carol Cohan

Groundhog's Day at the Doctor by Judy Delton

My Shadow and I by Patty Wolcott

Huff and Puff on Ground Hog Day by Jean Warren & Molly Piper

It's Groundhog Day- by Stephen Kroll

Will Spring Ever Come to Gobbler's Knob by Julia Spencer Moutran & Marsha Sweetland

Geoffrey Groundhog Predicts the Weather by Bruce Koscielniak

Greedy Groundhogs by Judy Delton,

Gretchen Groundhog, It's Your Day! by Abby Levine

Groundhog's Day at the Doctor by Judy Delton

A Garden for Groundhog by Lorna Balian

Weather Words and What They Mean by Gail Gibbons

Winter by Ron Hirschi

Will Spring Be Early? or Will Spring Be Late? by Crockett Johnson

Orphan: The Story of a Baby Woodchuck by Faith McNulty

Under Your Feet by Joanna Ryder

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Mr. Groundhog- Submitted by Becce

Folklore has it that on Feb. 2, Mr. Groundhog wakes up from his long winter's nap and goes outside. They say that if he sees his shadow, he runs back inside his hole to sleep, indicating that there will be 6 more weeks of winter. If Mr. Groundhog does not see his shadow he stays outside to play, which means that spring will soon arrive. Let the children take turns being Mr. Groundhog popping out of his hole ( a large cardboard box) while everyone recites the poem below. Hint: Arrange the room so that you can create or take away a shadow. Overhead lights would eliminate a shadow and a low light aimed directly at the "groundhog" would create a shadow.

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Social Studies- Submitted by Becce

Have the children talk about the sun and how it is night in some countries and daylight in others.

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Define Hibernation- Submitted by Becce

Hibernation is when certain animals go into a very deep sleep for the winter. Talk about animals that hibernate during the winter as the groundhogs do. Mention that a groundhog is also called a woodchuck and is a member of the rodent family.

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