If you are tired of doing the same Groundhog Day activities year after year, you may want to check out these awesome Groundhog Day activities for Elementary students. There is so much history behind the tradition of Groundhog Day and a ton of ways to make it a special experience for your young learners. I have included many interactive resources, fun groundhog crafts, writing activities, and games to engage your kiddos on this special occasion. Happy Groundhog Day!
1. Groundhog Paper Plate Craft
This is such a fun little craft for Groundhog Day. I love crafts using paper plates because they are so inexpensive and easy to make. This craft is best for young Elementary students in Kindergarten through 3rd grade.
Learn More: Crafty Morning
2. Groundhog Fact Quiz
Quiz your students on these real groundhog facts for kids! They will be so interested to learn that groundhogs can move over 700 pounds of dirt when digging a den. They also can climb trees! Who knew?
Learn More: Kids Play
3. Groundhog Letter Activity
This is the perfect resource for your Kindergarten classroom. Your students will enjoy feeding the groundhog the letters as they say them aloud. Hands-on activities such as this really make learning fun.
Learn More: ABC's of Literacy
4. Shadow-Themed Activities
These fun shadow activities will help students understand the process of the groundhog shadow test. Students will learn what causes shadows and how shadows are affected by the time of day.
Learn More: Science Sparks
5. Shadow Drawing
Another engaging activity for students to learn about shadows is shadow drawing. Students can work with partners to trace each other's shadows. This is very fun for students and allows them to socialize while they learn.
Learn More: Simplemost
6. Online Groundhog Games
An extension activity idea is to have children use a laptop or tablet to access online groundhog-themed games. If you have distance learning students, you can also provide them with the link to access these games through the digital classroom. Incorporating digital activities for elementary students is effective for engagement.
Learn More: Primary Games
7. Punxsutawney Phil Coloring Pages
Punxsutawney Phil coloring pages are fun for students to color and use to decorate their classroom for Groundhog Day. You could incorporate an element of competition by hosting a school coloring contest or door decorating contest.
Learn More: Twisty Noodle
8. Groundhog Bingo
Bingo is a fun way for students in primary grades to celebrate special days. Bingo is an awesome game for students to practice listening, hand-eye coordination, and number identification, as well as build upon existing communication skills.
Learn More: Printable Creative
9. Groundhog Math Puzzles
These math puzzles are a creative way for students to practice math skills on Groundhog Day! This is also a fantastic math center activity for elementary students. The groundhog, cloud, and sun symbols are very engaging and different from the emojis they typically see.
Learn More: Mashup Math
10. Groundhog Word Search
This resource features free printable groundhog-themed word search puzzles. This is a great filler activity when you have a few extra minutes during a transition period or at the end of the school day. These are fun and engaging for students and great for language development and word recognition.
Learn More: My Word Search
11. Groundhog Day Reading Activity
Groundhog Day is a great time to incorporate the groundhog theme into daily lesson plans. Pre-made digital activities are quick and easy for teachers to organize and use. This reading comprehension activity includes a reading passage for students to read and respond to.
Learn More: All Kids Network
12. Groundhog Video Activity
Are you looking for a video resource that explains Groundhog Day in a kid-friendly way? Check out this video made just for kids. This suits elementary students very well and answers many questions that students may wonder about. After the video, students can share what they learned.
Learn More: Homeschool Pop
13. Weather Chart Craft Activity
Groundhog Day is all about predicting the weather. This is a great extension activity for students to learn more about the weather. They can make their own weather predictions each morning as to what the weather will be like according to what they observe with their senses.
Learn More: Craft Ideas for Kids
14. Delicious Dirt Pie
You don't often find the words delicious and dirt in the same sentence. However, when it comes to this creative dessert, it is totally appropriate! Elementary students will have a blast making and eating their own sweet treat to celebrate Groundhog Day.
Learn More: Thrilled by the Thought
15. Groundhog Dress-up Party
Most students get a kick out of themed dress-up days at school. I love this fun idea for students to dress up like groundhogs! You will have a chance to see how creative students and their families can get to resemble a real-life groundhog or even Punxsy Phil!
Learn More: Holidappy
16. DIY Snowball Craft
If the groundhog predicts six more weeks of winter, this is a fun activity to celebrate. Students can create their own DIY snowballs and have an indoor snowball fight. This resource is easy to follow and includes step-by-step directions. Happy crafting!
Learn More: A Parenting Production
17. Spring Flower Craft
Did the groundhog see its shadow? If not, Spring is near! Celebrate spring by making flower crafts with your students. Students can decorate their learning spaces with beautiful pictures.
Learn More: I Heart Crafty Things
18. Groundhog Day Writing Prompts
Writing prompts are a great way for children to practice creative writing. It is beneficial for children to plan for the time dedicated to writing each day. These writing prompts will help students gather their thoughts and excite them about writing.
Learn More: Teacher's Notepad
19. Groundhog Riddles
My elementary students always enjoy it when we begin our day with a fun riddle. One idea is to write each riddle on a strip of paper and give one to each student. They can take turns reading their joke to the class and everyone can guess the answers.
Learn More: Fun Kids Jokes
20. Wake up, Groundhog!
Reading aloud is perfect for celebrating special events with students. The story Wake up, Groundhog by Susanna Leonard Hill is a great story to read on Groundhog Day. After students listen to this read-aloud, they will be ready to discuss the meaning behind Groundhog Day.
Learn More: Reading Pioneers Academy
21. Groundhog Board Game
This board game reminds us that Spring is near. Spinner games are fun for children, and they get to practice their fine motor skills as they play. You can easily recreate this game for your students by following the directions found in this resource.
Learn More: 30 Minute Crafts
20 Fun-filled Science And Superhero Activities With The PBS Hero Elementary Gang!