Groundhog Day circle time can introduce a tradition and give children something they can observe for themselves. Read a short story about the groundhog, then compare shadows or weather clues in a simple group activity.
At a glance
Keep the tradition and the observation separate. Use a light and a classroom object to see how a shadow changes.
1. Preview a burrow picture
Name the groundhog and its burrow. Ask children to point to one feature they notice.
2. Tell the February tradition
Describe it as a tradition people observe. Give children a chance to share what they have heard about it.
3. Make a shadow together
Shine a light toward a familiar object and show the shadow on a surface. Move the light and ask what changed.
4. Compare seasonal pictures
Sort a few winter and spring clues. Invite children to explain one choice and notice that local weather can vary.
5. Check a weather guess
Ask the group to guess what they might see outside. Look, then record what they actually observe.
A classroom example
In a fictional group, Tavi predicts that moving the light closer will make the shadow smaller. His teacher invites him to watch and compare. Tavi describes what happened and changes his prediction for the next turn.
Companion printable
The 29-page PDF includes five preschool lesson plans, five original mini read-alouds, illustrated posters, and cut-apart picture props.
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