Groundhog Day: Teaching Tips, Fun Facts, & Free Coloring Sheet!

#groundhogday

January 31, 2023

a colorful outlined image of a groundhog coming out of its burrow during spring

Every year, Groundhog Day is observed in North America. And while this is a fun tradition, it can be rather difficult figuring out a way to celebrate it in the classroom. Luckily, we’re here to help! In this article, we’ll review fun fact about groundhogs and the holiday they’re associated with, as well as teaching tips! And that’s not all. We’ll also give you a coloring sheet to download for free!. So, what are you waiting for? Everything you need can be found below.

Fun Facts About Groundhogs & Groundhog Day

Groundhogs (also known as woodchucks) are North American mammals that eat a plant-based diet.
The scientific name for a groundhog is Marmota monax. (National Geographic)
Groundhogs can have a diet that consists of fruit, plants, grass
Groundhog Day is a holiday observed on February 2nd in the Canada and the United States.
Groundhog Day was formulated on the idea that if a groundhog emerges from its burrow and sees its shadow, winter will last for six more weeks. If it does not see its shadow, spring is predicted to arrive early.

Best Tips to Teach Kids About Groundhog Day

Make your lesson interactive. Children respond positively to fun activities that they can get immersed in, so try to make learning about Groundhog Day or groundhogs an engaging experience.
Use visual aids. To keep the attention of your entire class, and engage those visual learners in the room, consider using visual aids to help you with your lesson. That can include videos, photographs, Clipart illustrations and hand drawn artwork.
Prepare hands-on activities. Crafts and class projects that engage students on multiple levels will undoubtedly go over well in the classroom. So, consider planning a Groundhog Day project, game, or puzzle for your students to work on.
Teach students about the science behind seasons changing. Groundhog Day is a holiday centered around weather lore. But, that doesn’t mean you can’t share real facts about seasons, weather, and climate change.
Establish a personal connection with the students. Encourage the kids in your class to make a connection between the holiday and their personal lives. For instance, students can be tasked with keeping a journal in which they observe the weather patters and the changing of the seasons in their own neighborhood.