Groundhog Day gives children a chance to talk about a tradition and then test something they can observe. Use a coloring page to introduce the animal, then spend a few minutes comparing real shadows.
1. Look at the groundhog picture
Name the animal and ask children to point to one feature. Read a short classroom description if the group has questions about its habitat.
2. Talk about the tradition
Explain that the shadow story is part of Groundhog Day. Invite children to share what they have heard about it.
3. Make a shadow
Shine a flashlight toward an object on a table. Move the light and have children describe what changes on the surface behind it.
4. Add a shadow to the picture
Have children draw one where they think it would fall. Let them use the demonstration to check their idea.
5. Record an observation
Ask children to draw, tell, or write one thing they noticed. Compare the observation with their earlier guess.
A classroom example
In a fictional class, Leo draws the shadow next to the groundhog. His teacher moves the light to the side during the demonstration, and Leo revises his drawing to show where the shadow fell.
Get the printable
The free 85-page PDF has bold Groundhog Day line art. Use a selected page for the drawing and discussion, then keep other pages for independent coloring.
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