Groundhog, Groundhog, What Do You See? (A FREE Craftivity & Weather Tracker)

I must confess, I am a fan of Groundhog Day.  It's so fun see the Groundhogs' predictions.  (Plural, because my class always compares Punxasutawney Phil's prediction to Chattanooga Chuck's prediction.)  Groundhog Day is a little reminder that winter will not last forever.  It is also a special day to learn about and celebrate one furry and adorable little animal.

This year we started off our Groundhog learning by making this simple groundhog prediction craftivity.  Students made their own predictions whether or not they thought the groundhog would see his shadow.  Students placed snowflakes in their groundhogs' hands if they thought he would see his shadow (six more weeks of winter).  They placed suns in the groundhogs' hands if they thought he would not see his shadow (an early spring).

Last year my students made this same craftivity.  However, I used it with a little half page writing prompt.  Students wrote what the groundhog's prediction was and then if they thought it would turn out to be correct.  The groundhogs held the writing sheets instead of the suns or snowflakes.  We made the project this way because we didn't get to make our groundhogs before Groundhog Day.  (We were out for snow).  This little tweak allowed us to still make our project even though we did not get to it before Groundhog Day (as originally planned).
As you can see, this craftivity is fairly flexible.  I'd say you could make it work sometime a week before or after Groundhog Day.
If you would like a FREE copy of this pattern to use with your students, click on one of the pictures above.


There are some really great groundhog themed read alouds for your class to enjoy.  I think my favorite is Go to Sleep Groundhog by Judy Cox.  I also really love using Gail Gibbons' Groundhog Day.  Since she is all about the nonfiction, her book is perfect to compare to the other books.  It is also a great illustration of various text features.

Since it was the beginning of a new month, we launched our new math and literacy centers.  Along with all of the hearts and Presidents, we are also doing some center work with groundhogs.  If you would like to get more details about my February math and literacy centers, click here.

We will also be tracking the weather for the next six weeks with in My Groundhog Weather Tracker.  Students will record the groundhog's prediction and the daily weather.  At the conclusion of the sixth week, students will compile their data and analyze it to determine if the groundhog's prediction was true.

You can have a FREE copy of My Groundhog Weather Tracker, by clicking on the picture below.  Don't worry if you get a little bit of a late start with it.  You can always go back and complete the days that have already past.

Groundhog Day offers lots of fun opportunities for learning.  Nothing hooks kids in better than cute furry animals.  I hope you can use some of these groundhog ideas with your young learners.
Best.