Collection

Groundhog Day: 15 Fun Teaching Resources

The history of Groundhog Day, as well as resources to help you teach about the holiday, hibernation, and Punxsutawney Phil

  • Grades: PreK–K, 1–2, 3–5

Origins of Groundhog Day

Groundhog Day is a holiday celebrated on February 2 in the United States and Canada. While the exact origins of Groundhog Day are not known, the tradition is believed to have started in Pennsylvania in the late 1800s as an annual custom of settlers of German descent. Similar folk beliefs in which an animal — such as a badger or a sacred bear — predicts the weather can be traced to other parts of Europe and are presumed to be rooted in the early Christian holiday of Candlemas.
 

Interpreting What the Groundhog Sees

According to folklore, if the groundhog sees its shadow on Groundhog Day, it will retreat back into its burrow to hibernate for an additional six weeks of winter. If the groundhog does not see its shadow, it will emerge from its burrow, signifying an imminent end to winter and an early start to spring. 
 

The Largest Celebration in the United States

In the United States, Groundhog Day is celebrated throughout the country, with the largest celebration held in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania. Punxsutawney Phil, the official weather prognosticating groundhog, has made some 115 official predictions to date, since the first official celebrations began in 1886.
 

Lesson Plans

Lesson Plan: A Time to Sleep (Grades PreK–8)
In this lesson plan from Instructor magazine, students learn about hibernation, animals’ winter habitats, and dormancy.

Lesson Plan: Animals in Winter (Grades 3–5)
From hibernating to stocking up food, animals survive winter in a variety of ways. Discover the different methods in this research scavenger hunt.

Lesson Plan: Measuring Shadows (Grades PreK–K)
How do your students’ shadows measure up? Use this lesson plan to find out.
 

Activities and Teaching Resources

Let’s Find Out: Groundhog Activities (Grades PreK–1)
A "Where Is Groundhog" read-along and singing activity, as well as a a burrowing animals graphing exercise, are included in this digital issue of the popular children’s magazine.

Blog Post: Will He See His Shadow? Groundhog Day Activities (Grades PreK–5)
Resources, activities, and other unique ideas to help you celebrate Groundhog Day with your class.

Book List: Groundhog Day (Grades PreK–3)
Recommended books for teaching about Groundhog Day and its infamous weather-predicting rodent.

Video: What Is a Groundhog? (Grades PreK–2)
A video from Let’s Find Out magazine about the groundhog's diet, habitats, behaviors, and other traits.
 

Printables

More Resources From Around the Web

Find groundhog games, recipes, and other fun activities on the official Punxsutawney Groundhog Club website.

The National Geographic website offers fast facts and other information for teaching about the groundhog.

  • Subjects:
    Animals, Groundhog Day, Winter Themes
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