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Groundhog Day: Lights and Shadows Week

Introduction of Topic: Lights and Shadows Introduction Discussion 


What is a shadow? 

A shadow occurs when an object blocks the light. Most shadows are caused outside by the sun or by artificial light by a lamp. 


What causes a shadow? 

Light can pass through objects. But some objects, like our bodies, block the light, causing a shadow. 


What does a shadow look like?

Shadows come in all shapes and sizes. The size and shape of a shadow depends on many things- the light source, the angle of the light, the time of day, and the type of object. 


Why does my shadow follow me?

Your shadow moves along with you as a light source changes the shape of the area of light passing through.

Activities

Dancing with my shadow (Outside Activity)- If it's not too cold where you live you can go outside and experiment with your own shadow. Dance along with your shadow! If you cannot go outside, you can bring your dance party inside and set up a flashlight against a wall. Position your tot in between the light source and the wall. 


Try this Groundhog Stem shadow experiment from Carly and Adam 


Shadow letters/Numbers- Turn off the lights for some shadow fun! Using a flashlight as a light source, place the object between the wall and the light. Make number or letter forms with your hands. You can also use foam or plastic letters/numbers to cast shadows as well. 


Groundhog Day 


Groundhog Day is almost here! Groundhog day is a fun winter holiday for all ages. I remember all of the fun activities we did when I was in school. Groundhog Day in homeschool could be just as amazing. In this post, you will find facts, stories, crafts and snacks that all celebrate this mysterious animal. Groundhog Day is about the halfway mark between Winter and Spring. For those who are in snowy cities, many are wondering whether the good weather is coming soon or if you are stuck with more cold. The weather is so varied in Georgia where I live. One day it can be 70 degrees and the next day 40 degrees. Even though it gets cold, in most places (like where I live) don’t  get any real snow. If the groundhog sees his shadow you are in for 6 more weeks of winter. Spring is near if he does not see his shadow. The forecast is given by the famous Punxsutawney Phil named for the town in Pennsylvania where he is from. Groundhog Day is a celebration of parades and festivals each year. Despite the forecast, spring will be officially here Saturday, March 20. If you need to brush up on some Groundhog Day Facts, I have some sites you can browse below. 


Sci Show kids Fun Facts About Groundhogs   

National Geographic Kids Information about Groundhogs   


Check out these Groundhog videos from Simply Kinder 



Anchor Chart- Create an anchor chart that lists all of the facts that you learned about Groundhog Day. A popular anchor chart separates facts into 3 categories:


Groundhog Day Anchor Chart 

Can (think verbs)

    burrow (dig)

Have (body characteristics) 

    large teeth

Are (personal characteristics)

rodents 

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Groundhog Toast 

Ingredients:

Bread

A single banana (sliced)

Raisins 


Begin your day with Groundhog toast for breakfast. 

Try this breakfast treat (theteachermommy). Gather bananas, marshmallows and raisins to decorate your toast like a groundhog. Use banana slices at the top left and right of the toast for the ears. Use raisins for the eyes. Place a raisin on top of a banana slice for the nose. Use two marshmallows for the teeth.


Materials


Groundhog template 

Construction paper 

Optional: paper bag/popsicle stick 


Decorate this groundhog craft that uses only hearts for the parts. There are a couple of different ways you can  create with this craft. 


 Craft- Cut and paste the assembled Groundhog Heart Craft onto construction paper. 

 Paper bag craft- assemble the craft onto a paper bag to make your own bag puppet.   

Use a flashlight to make a shadow groundhog. 

 Popsicle Stick craft- assemble onto a popsicle stick and sing some groundhog songs. Create    motions to the song with your new puppet!

Groundhog Day headband- assemble the craft and attach two pieces of cardstock or construction   

paper to form a headband. Subscribe today to get this cute craft for FREE!


Groundhog Snack time ! 

Ingredients:

Ritz Crackers

Peanut Butter

Raisins


Groundhog Day Writing/Drawing: Draw your prediction of whether or not Punxsutawney Phil will see his shadow. For children that are writing- Have your child try to write a sentence about the drawing. Using inventive spelling, help your child sound out the words to write them down. Do not focus on correctly spelling the word at this stage. For children that are not yet writing, ask your child what their drawing is about. Label the drawing with a title, their name, and date. 


Enjoy a Groundhog Day snack with Ritz crackers, peanut butter and raisins. If your child has a peanut allergy you can substitute the peanut butter for SunButter Natural Sunflower Seed Spread. Spread the peanut butter onto the Ritz cracker and put raisins in place of the eyes, nose and mouth. 


Shadow craft 

Materials:

Groundhog Template

Black construction paper

White crayon 

Optional- tape 


Create a shadow craft using a groundhog template. Here is one from coloringhome.com. Cut out the groundhog and lay on a black piece of construction paper. For younger children, tape the figure down to the construction paper. Have your child color around the groundhog shape with a white crayon. Lift the groundhog off of the page after the page is completely white around the groundhog. Fold the groundhog slightly so the shape is sticking straight up from the paper. 


Groundhog Day Shadow Measuring- This activity uses the Shadow Craft as a measuring tool. Use candy, unifix cubes, ruler, cereal or other object to measure how long the shadow is. 

    


Online Stories Read Aloud 


The Night Before Groundhog Day

Groundhog's Day Off 

Grumpy Groundhog

Substitute Groundhog

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