Happy Groundhog Day!
DEEP END LEARNING I February 2nd
Gear up for a day of fun and discovery by celebrating Groundhog Day on February 2nd. Dive into these engaging activities and creative ideas to make the most of this unique holiday with your kids.
Be sure to tune into a live stream of a Groundhog Day Ceremony! LIVE coverage typically begins at 6am and Punxsutawney Phil usually leaves his burrow just after 7 am.
Fun Trivia
Did you know that groundhogs can whistle? When they see something scary, they whistle to warn their groundhog friends.
Listen to one whistle HERE!
Additional Activities
- Create a Groundhog Burrow: Build a fort or a mock burrow in your living room where kids can play and ‘hibernate’ like a groundhog.
- Shadow Drawing: Place toys in sunlight and trace their shadows on paper, then color them in.
- Weather Prediction Chart: Have kids make their own predictions about when spring will arrive and chart the weather for the next six weeks.
Books
“Groundhog Day!” by Gail Gibbons: This book provides a clear explanation of the Groundhog Day tradition along with fun facts about groundhogs.
“Groundhog Gets a Say” by Pamela Curtis Swallow: A humorous and informative book where the groundhog shares all about his life and the holiday.
“Gregory’s Shadow” by Don Freeman: A delightful story about friendship and Groundhog Day, from the creator of “Corduroy.”
“Groundhog’s Day Off” by Robb Pearlman: This entertaining tale follows a groundhog who wants to be appreciated for more than just his weather-predicting skills.
- “The Night Before Groundhog Day” by Natasha Wing: A fun, rhyming story that captures the anticipation of Groundhog Day.
“Punxsutawney Phyllis” by Susanna Leonard Hill: Phyllis the groundhog wants to take her uncle’s place and predict the weather on Groundhog Day.
- “Wake Up, Groundhog!” by Susanna Leonard Hill: A story about a groundhog who dreams of a different job instead of predicting the weather.
Did you know that groundhogs can whistle? When they see something scary, they whistle to warn their groundhog friends.
Music Playlist for the Day
Recipes
Fruity Spring Punch (no shadow – spring comes early)
Ingredients:
- 2 cups orange juice
- 2 cups pineapple juice
- 1 liter ginger ale or soda water
- Sliced fruits (strawberries, oranges, lemons, limes)
- Ice cubes
Instructions:
- Mix the Juices: In a large pitcher, mix together the orange and pineapple juices.
- Add Fruits: Add slices of strawberries, oranges, lemons, and limes to the pitcher.
- Chill: Refrigerate the mixture until it’s time to serve.
- Add Fizz: Just before serving, add the ginger ale or soda water.
- Serve: Pour the punch into glasses filled with ice cubes.
Warm Winter Apple Cider (shadow – 6 more weeks of winter)
Ingredients:
- 1 gallon apple cider
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- A pinch of ground nutmeg
- 1 orange, sliced
- Optional: Cloves or star anise for added spice
Instructions:
- Combine Ingredients: In a large pot, combine the apple cider, cinnamon sticks, and a pinch of nutmeg.
- Add Orange: Add slices of orange to the pot. If desired, also add a few cloves or star anise.
- Simmer: Bring the mixture to a light simmer over low heat for about 10-15 minutes to let the flavors meld.
- Serve Warm: Ladle the warm cider into mugs and serve.
Letterboard Quote
Winter long or sunshine song?
Printable Resource
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