Groundhog Day Activities - post

Groundhog Day is a fun, simple holiday that happens every year on February 2. In early childhood classrooms, it’s a great chance to talk about weather, shadows, and animals—without needing fancy supplies. This guide includes easy Groundhog Day activities for toddlers and preschoolers, plus two free-to-print coloring pages you can use right away. #GroundhogDay #EarlyLearning

What is Groundhog Day and why do children enjoy it?

Groundhog Day is based on a tradition: if a groundhog sees its shadow, people say there may be more winter. If it does not see its shadow, people say spring may come sooner.

Kids love it because:

• It feels like a story

• It connects to weather they can see

• It includes an animal theme (always a favorite!)

How do I explain Groundhog Day in a simple way?

Keep it short and kid-friendly. Here’s an easy script you can use:

• “Today is Groundhog Day!”

• “A groundhog is a small animal that lives in the ground.”

• “People watch to see if the groundhog sees its shadow.”

• “A shadow happens when light is blocked.”

• “We can make shadows too!”

For toddlers, focus on: groundhog + shadow + light.
For preschoolers, you can add: winter, spring, predict, observe.

What are easy Groundhog Day activities for toddlers?

Toddlers learn best with movement, simple words, and hands-on play. Try these low-prep ideas.

Shadow play (quick and fun)

• Turn on a flashlight

• Make hand shadows on the wall

• Try toy shadows (animals work well)

• Say: “Big shadow!” “Small shadow!”

Groundhog “hide and pop” game

• Use a box or blanket as a “burrow”

• A child pops up like a groundhog

• Everyone says: “Peek-a-boo, groundhog!”

Simple matching

• Make two piles: “sun” and “cloud”

• Children sort pictures into the correct pile

• Use simple words: “Sunny. Cloudy.”

Groundhog coloring time
Coloring is great for fine-motor skills and calm focus. Use this toddler-friendly printable:
https://www.childcareed.com/r-00754-groundhog-coloring-page-for-toddlers.html

Toddler tip: Keep activities short (5–10 minutes). Repeat favorites.

What are fun Groundhog Day activities for preschoolers?

Preschoolers enjoy stories, predictions, and simple “science.” These activities build language, math, and thinking skills.

Make a prediction chart
Ask: “Do you think the groundhog will see its shadow?”
Create a chart with two columns:

• “Yes, shadow”

• “No shadow”
  Let children place their name or a sticker under their guess.

Try a shadow experiment

• Shine a flashlight on a toy

• Move the light closer and farther
  Ask:

• “What happens to the shadow?”

• “Is it bigger or smaller?”
  Use words like: observe, predict, change.

Groundhog measurement game
Give kids “groundhog steps”:

• “Can you take 5 groundhog steps to the door?”

• “How many steps to the book shelf?”
  They practice counting and body control.

Build a burrow
Use blocks, pillows, or paper tubes to build a “groundhog home.”
Add toy animals for pretend play.

Preschool coloring page
This printable works well for older preschoolers:
https://www.childcareed.com/r-00755-preschool-groundhog-coloring-page.html

What books, songs, and circle time ideas work well?

You don’t need special books—any story about winter, animals, or weather works.

Circle time plan (10–15 minutes)

• Hello song

• Show a picture of a groundhog

• Teach the word: “shadow”

• Do a quick shadow demo with your hands

• Read a short book (or tell a simple story)

• Finish with movement

Easy movement chant

• “Groundhog, groundhog, in the ground…”

• “Peek out, peek out, look around!”

• “If you see your shadow—back you go!”

• “If you don’t—spring says hello!”

How can I connect Groundhog Day to learning goals?

Groundhog Day can support many early learning areas.

Language

• New words: groundhog, burrow, shadow, winter, spring

• Practice full sentences: “I predict… because…”

Science

• Light makes shadows

• Weather changes over time

• We can observe and compare

Math

• Counting votes on a prediction chart

• Measuring with steps

• Sorting sunny vs. cloudy pictures

Social-emotional

• Taking turns

• Sharing tools (crayons, flashlights)

• Listening during circle time

What if the weather is bad—what indoor activities can I do?

Groundhog Day happens in winter, so you might be stuck inside. Indoor plans are a lifesaver!

If you want more indoor ideas for cold or rainy days, this course is a great fit:
https://www.childcareed.com/courses-engaging-indoor-activities-for-inclement-weather-1621.html

It can help you plan active learning indoors—without the chaos.

How do I plan a full Groundhog Day lesson without stress?

A simple lesson plan keeps the day calm and fun. If lesson planning feels hard, this course can support you:
https://www.childcareed.com/courses-lesson-planning-for-preschoolers.html

Easy half-day lesson plan example

• Arrival: coloring page + crayons
  (Toddlers: https://www.childcareed.com/r-00754-groundhog-coloring-page-for-toddlers.html)
  (Preschool: https://www.childcareed.com/r-00755-preschool-groundhog-coloring-page.html)

• Circle time: what is Groundhog Day + shadow demo

• Centers: burrow building, prediction chart, shadow station

• Snack: simple “shadow snack” (half banana on a plate; talk about shape)

• Movement: groundhog pop-up game or chant

• Closing: “What did we learn about shadows?”

How can I include all children in these activities?

Every child can join with small adjustments.

Try these supports:

• Use picture cards (shadow, groundhog, sun)

• Offer choices: color or build, sit or stand

• Let children point instead of speaking

• Keep instructions short and repeat them

Most important: celebrate effort. “You tried!” goes a long way. #InclusiveClassroom

Where can I get more seasonal activity ideas from ChildCareEd?

For quick activity ideas, printables, and classroom tips, follow ChildCareEd on social media:

👉 Follow ChildCareEd on Instagram: https://instagram.com/childcareed

You’ll get fun seasonal ideas you can use right away. #PreschoolActivities

Conclusion

Groundhog Day is a simple theme that can lead to big learning. With shadow play, predictions, movement, and coloring, children practice science, language, and social skills in a way that feels like fun.

Use these two ready-to-print resources to get started:

• Toddler coloring page: https://www.childcareed.com/r-00754-groundhog-coloring-page-for-toddlers.html

• Preschool coloring page: https://www.childcareed.com/r-00755-preschool-groundhog-coloring-page.html

And if you want more support planning winter learning:

• Indoor activities course: https://www.childcareed.com/courses-engaging-indoor-activities-for-inclement-weather-1621.html

• Lesson planning course: https://www.childcareed.com/courses-lesson-planning-for-preschoolers.html