Learn about the groundhog with a burrow full of themed art projects. According to tradition, the groundhog leaves his hole on February 2, of each year and takes a look around. If it's a sunny day and he sees his shadow, it is believed there will be six more long weeks of cold, wintry weather. If he does not see his shadow an early spring is on its way. Groundhog Day provides elementary school students with an opportunity to stimulate their imaginations with a wide array of creative art activities.
Groundhog Headband
Learn about the groundhog by making a groundhog headband. To begin this project provide each student with a brown circle to use as the groundhog's face and a strip of green construction paper long enough to form the headband. Ask the children to use crayons or washable markers to color a face on the construction paper circle, then show them how to glue the face onto the construction paper strip. Go around the classroom and assist the children by gluing or stapling the construction paper strip to fit their head to complete the headband.
Groundhog Burrow
To prepare for this activity get a big cardboard box. Make sure it's large enough so that the children can crawl in and out easily. Provide each student with a brown lunch bag, and take the class on a nature walk. Instruct the kids to fill the bags with small twigs, leaves and grass. Show the children how to use the items, along with markers and washable tempura paints to decorate the box to resemble a groundhog's burrow. Have the class pretend to be groundhogs and crawl in and out o f the box. Turn the lights off and on to show their shadows as they move in and out of the box.
Edible Groundhog Art
Have the class make fun to eat edible crafts for Groundhog Day. To make a cupcake groundhog give each child a chocolate cupcake, a small cup of chocolate frosting, green shredded coconut and a peanut-shaped cookie to use as the groundhog. Show the kids how to use a variety of candy such as mini chocolate chips and marshmallows to create their own groundhog treats.
Punxsutawney Phil's Shadow
To create Punxsutawney Phil and his shadow, start by printing out the groundhog template and glue it to a large piece of card stock. Provide each child with brown tempura paint and a toothbrush to paint the groundhog. Once the picture is dry, cut it out of the card stock. Trace the groundhog shape into a piece of black construction paper to create Punxsutawney Phil's shadow. Have the children place Phil's shadow under the painted groundhog. To complete the project, help the students push a small brass brand through the tail to connect the two pieces.
