Groundhog’s Day is approaching. I’m not a Winter person. Try as I might, I have never been able to look past the damp cold and the dreary brown trees. That being the case, I’m already plotting getaways and thinking about Spring. I hope you, however, are a Winter person who can delight in this season.
Either way eventually Groundhog’s Day will arrive and we will all get to make decisions about whether to keep out our snow boots or pull out our rain boots. This story time is all about shadows and the silly animals that look for them each year.
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Best Read Aloud Books about Shadows & Groundhogs
Planning a story time for Groundhog’s Day? These are some great books to read aloud both about shadows in general and Mr. Groundhog himself.
Moonbear’s Shadow by Frank Asch
Moonbear tries to outwit and escape his shadow in this sweet classic.
My Shadow by Robert Louis Stevenson
A fun playful book about the shadows that lead and follow us around town.
Groundhog’s Day Off by Robb Pearlman
Groundhog is tired of answering the same boring question every Spring so he is holding auditions. Can any of the other animals fill his lofty shoes? Silly take on this annual tradition.
Ten Grouchy Groundhogs by Kathryn Helling
This playful counting book is a fun way to get ready for Groundhog’s Day. I loved all the alliteration.
Brownie Groundhog and the February Fox by Susan Blackaby
This is a super cute book that’s great for reading aloud to preschoolers and up. It is about a groundhog who sees her shadow and is impatient for Spring and for a Fox who is impatient for food. It ties Winter and Groundhog’s Day and waiting for Spring into a smart story about waiting.
More Books
Children’s Picture Books About Ground Hogs Day from The Jenny Evolution
Learning About Shadows {Book Round Up} from Faith and Good Works
Songs + Rhymes about Groundhog’s Day
These two are similar but since there seems to be a real shortage of Groundhog songs in the world I thought I’d give you a both to use as you wish. If you know another poem or song for Groundhog’s Day comment below or send me an email!
Here’s a Little Groundhog poem from Can Do Kinders
I’m a Little Groundhog song from The Kiboomers on Youtube
Group Activity about Shadows
Preschoolers are just being introduced to Groundhog’s Day, but they are familiar with the idea of shadows. This activity helps to pair what they know already with this topic they are learning about.
Materials:
Laminating Machine OR contact paper both work well
Felt Board
Set Up:
Print out a copy of the FREE shadow match cards below. Cut out the cards and I recommend laminating them for durability. Attach velcro dots to the back so they can stick to your felt board. Otherwise tape on the back would also work for use on a different surface.
To Play:
Depending on how big your group is, you will either want to attach the shadow cards to your board and pass out the pictures to your kids OR you will want to pass out both the shadows and pictures.
If you are attaching the shadows to the board, you can either put them all up there and then have each child take a turn. Or you can put them up one by one and have the kids guess out loud what animal they think might match and then check their card. The kid with the matching card will come up and attach their picture to the shadow.
If you pass out the shadow cards as well, have the kids with shadows go first. Ask them to put their card on the board and guess what animal might match. The kid with the match will likely be excited, so encourage them to come up and match their card. Then move on to the next shadow.
Download FREE Shadow Match Printable
Table Invitations about Shadows
After story time, my blogging pals have a range of activities for you to have at the table or in centers around your space. Some are focused on Groundhog’s Day in particular and some are more general shadow activities.
Demystify Shadows with Fun Puzzle Games from iGameMom
Shadow STEM Activities from Schooling a Monkey
Groundhog Day Weather: How Accurate is Popular Weather Lore? from FrogMom
Shadow Tracing from CraftCreateCalm
These Groundhogs day books look so cute! Will definitely have to check them out for my 3 year old. He loves books!
Thanks Emily! They are fun. Hope you guys enjoy.