It’s that season of the year when we’re snugly in our homes and enjoy cozy evenings and days with our families. Groundhog Day is perfect for this time of the year! This list includes 10 Groundhog Day crafts that will help toddlers and preschoolers get ready for the holiday. You can make groundhog puppets with your children or learn about shadow science.
1. Shadow Science
Punxsutawney Phil hunts out his shadow. But, it’s not just for little ones! They can also learn more about shadow science. Pre-K pages’ Groundhog Day activity is great for getting preschoolers moving.
Begin by riding a wagon to a park or neighborhood spot. Next, let your children create shadows of themselves by asking for shapes and dancing to the music. You will be amazed at how their shadows alter in size and shape as they block sunlight. If you can’t go outside, you can do this indoors using a flashlight. Make sure to find shadows indoors as well as outdoors so you can continue the fun.
2. Get In!
This year’s experience has shown us that it’s important to spend time with loved ones in slow, intimate moments. The February 2 holiday gives you the opportunity to get out of your comfort zone and read a few books with your children. Children can create their own burrow by placing blankets on tables, chairs or scooters.
3. Small Scholars
This 11-book list will help young learners to understand the roots and traditions behind Groundhog Day. This collection includes fiction and nonfiction books that are perfect for Pre-K-2 nd grades readers. Stories cover everything from groundhogs striking to the origins of the tradition. Which Groundhog Day book is your favourite?
4. Find Shadows and Words
Teri, of A Cupcake for the Teacher celebrates Groundhog Day every year with her class. They use word searches and surveys for word searches to gauge the number of students who think the Groundhog will see his shadow. You can download her word search printable on her blog.
5. Peak-A-Boo Groundhog
Easy Peasy and Fun’s Peak-A-Boo craft will bring out the best in toddlers, as they play with their own groundhog. Little ones can make an interactive groundhog craft by using a cup, cotton balls or paper and the assistance of a parent/grandparent. A few can be used to make pretend play or puppet shows.
6. Shadow Theatre
Use Motherhood on a Dime’s DIY Shadow Theatre to teach your toddlers about shadows. You will need two chairs, a whitesheet, and a light source. To make shadows and shapes, place the sheet on the table between the chairs.
A family game can be made of your shadow theater! Each child can choose one item from their own room. Each child can take turns and each one can secretly keep it behind the sheet. Family members can look for the shadows of the objects to help them guess their identity. You can pack your props and take them with you to the "theatre".
7. Shadow matching activity
Tot Schooling offers a printable shadow matching activity that is fun for preschoolers and toddlers. Groundhog Day is a fun activity that helps children practice visual discrimination by matching. This activity can be done in a variety of ways, depending on the child’s skill level and age.
8. Make a cool handprint art project
This handprint Groundhog Day craft made by The Educationists Spin on it will delight toddlers. They can paint their hands and feet with the paint! You can create a body for a groundhog by using brown paint. Once that drys, cover the paper with brown paint and then create a grassy area by painting your hands with green. Little ones can add creativity to their creations once the paint has dried. This craft is great for grandparents as a keepsake and gift!
9. Groundhog Puppet
This interactive puppet craft will be a hit with preschoolers. You can make your groundhog puppet using common household items, such as brown paper bags and construction paper. For a more 3D look, you can use pipe cleaners or googlyeyes if your have them!
Children can make this craft and then go outside to look for their shadows. PS: A 3-in-1 Offroad EZ-Fold Wagon(r), which includes Canopy, is a perfect choice for a puppet theatre. It can be set up in bench mode so that the puppeteers are able to sit behind the wagon’s upright walls. You can also use the bench to hold your props or rest your elbows.
10. Coloring Sheets
Katie of A Little Pinch of Perfect offers printable coloring pages to help children predict whether spring will come or not. This Groundhog Day activity is great for toddlers!
No matter if you read, shadow dance or paint, we’d love for you to share your Groundhog Day celebrations with us. We’d love to see photos of your toddlers and preschoolers using these activities.
