Groundhog's Shadow Art
Celebrate Groundhog's Day with this creative groundhog art. This simple, yet engaging activity lets children create a groundhog and practice spelling their name. Add the writing lesson and help your child learn about predicting whether the groundhog will see his shadow.
Groundhog's Day is a popular tradition observed on February 2. If the groundhog emerges from its burrow on this day and sees its shadow, it will retreat to its den and winter will continue for six more weeks. If the groundhog does not see its shadow spring will arrive early. So, before completing this craft, ask explain this tradition to your child and ask them to predict whether they think the groundhog will see his shadow or not. Talk to you child about a prediction is, that it is making a guess about something that will happen. It is okay to make a prediction and be incorrect. Making a prediction is about thinking about your options and making a decision that you can explain to others. So, your child might say, " I predict the groundhog will see his shadow. This means that we will have six more weeks of winter." You may also want to read some books about groundhog's day before beginning your craft.
Kim
To make the groundhog, begin by printing and cutting out the pieces. Did you know you can print on construction paper on your printer? Simply cut the paper to the correct size. I like to stack a plain piece of printer paper on top of the construction paper and cut off the excess. Then simply place the construction paper in the printer and print as normal.
My groundhog pack contains 3 choices of patterns, a coloring sheet and pieces to create tracers.
Next, you will glue the black, thin oval onto a piece of construction paper. I chose green as my background, but you can choose any you would like. This oval will be the hole the groundhog is coming out of.
Now, you will create the groundhog's body. Glue the head onto the black oval and add the ears to the top of the head.
Glue the head so it looks like the groundhog is emerging from its burrow.
You will then add the white circles to the groundhog's head and add black circles in the center with a black marker.
Now you will add the black oval to make the nose on the groundhog's face. Then draw a mouth for the groundhog and add two teeth.
Add the nose, mouth and teeth to the groundhog's face.
Now, think back to the predication your child made about whether the groundhog will see his shadow. If your child predicted yes, you will need black circles to spell out their name. If your child predict no, they will need brown circles to spell out their name. Your child will need the same number of circles as there are letters in their name
If your child predicted that the groundhog will see his shadow, their name will be written on black circles, representing his shadow.
Have your child use a white crayon or marker to write one letter of their name on each circle.
If your child predicted that the groundhog will not see his shadow, their name will be written on brown circles, representing the ground with no shadow.
Have your child use a black crayon or marker to write one letter of their name on each circle.
What Kids Learn from This Craft:
- Weather Connection: Introduces kids to the folklore of Groundhog Day and how shadows are used in weather prediction.
- Fine Motor Skills: Cutting, gluing, and assembling help develop coordination and dexterity. Practice writing the letters in their own name.
- Writing and Reading: Learning about what a prediction is and how to write their prediction on paper.
- Creativity & Storytelling: Kids can make up their own Groundhog Day predictions and stories based on their shadow experiments.
Why This Craft is Fun:
- Seasonal Celebration: A great way to engage kids in a fun tradition while making memories.
- Family Bonding Activity: Perfect for parents and kids to do together, creating special memories.
- Simple and Mess-Free: Requires minimal materials and cleanup, making it stress-free for parents.
This groundhog's shadow art project is is an easy and enjoyable craft that blends creativity with learning. Whether for a classroom activity or a family project at home, this craft is a great way to celebrate Groundhog Day while exploring making predictions about the groundhog.
Get the template and writing lesson in my TPT store.
