Will he or won't he? That is the question. February 2 marks Groundhog Day. Should Punxsutawney Phil see his shadow, we can expect another six weeks of winter. Provided he doesn't see his shadow, pack up those jackets and prepare to welcome the warm weather of spring. Although it's not exactly a heavily hyped holiday, it's still a great teaching opportunity for your children. There are plenty of activities you can do - from crafts to puzzles. Although Punxsutawney Phil grew out of a German superstition, Groundhog Day is the perfect opportunity to teach kids about groundhogs, shadows and weather. There are a ton of books available about Groundhog Day to help children better understand the significance of Phil and his shadow. Consider it a lesson in history. And then there's a geography lesson by teaching children about Puxsutawney, Pa., home of the famous groundhog.
Want to help your children learn about keeping tables? The chart for Groundhog Day is the perfect opportunity for a study in reading prediction tables. You can create a contest where your children can guess whether or not Phil will see his shadow. Have your children decorate a card to depict either a spring scene or a winter scene, depending on whether or not they think Phil will see his shadow. Then have them submit their guesses. Have a prize, such as a groundhog stuffed animal, for whoever has the right guess. If you're looking for more great activities, peruse the Internet for drawings and other great craft ideas.