The short answer is, it depends. Groundhog Day, celebrated on February 2nd, is a unique holiday that is usually not observed as a federal or state holiday. This means that schools and businesses usually operate as usual. However, some schools and institutions may choose to celebrate Groundhog Day with special activities or events. It’s 54 pages and perfect for ages Pre-K-2. You might plan to finish it by the 100th day and compare the character’s accomplishments to the class’s. If you prefer, read The Night Before the 100th Day of School about one boy’s struggle to find 100 of anything to bring to class for the 100th Day project. Groundhog Day is not one of the 11 official U.S. Holidays so school is held unless it falls on a weekend. More info on Groundhog day can be found at National Day Calendar. The observance of Groundhog Day in the United States first occurred in German communities in Pennsylvania, according to known records. The earliest mention of Groundhog Day is an entry on February 2, 1840, in the diary of James L. Morris of Morgantown, in Pennsylvania Dutch Country, according to the book on the subject by Don Yoder. This was a In Nova Scotia, Groundhog Day is called Daks Day. This comes from the word “dachs” which is German for badger. While Germans don’t celebrate Groundhog Day, they do celebrate a holiday they call Dachstag on February 2. The history of Groundhog Day goes back hundreds of years to an old European tradition that involved watching for animals A perfect Groundhog Day activity for the pre-school or kindergarten set is to learn about shadows with some shadow drawing! Print out a few photos of a groundhog (you can grab one in this Groundhog Day Writing Craftivity !), place on your window with some clear tape, and roll out a long strip of tabletop or butcher paper near the window, where Your young learners may not know what a groundhog is, let alone why we have a day to celebrate it each year. They might not understand why thousands of people gather in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania, on a cold morning every February to watch a man in a tuxedo hold a groundhog—while many more watch the ceremony live on television. PUNXSUTAWNEY, Pa. -- Here's a look at Groundhog Day, an American tradition that is meant to predict when spring will arrive. Facts. The groundhog emerges from its burrow on February 2. If the Groundhog Day, Feb. 2, is coming up, and soon Punxsutawney Phil will tell us what to expect from the weeks to come. The holiday dates back hundreds of years, and has grown to be a widely Groundhog Day doesn’t have to be just another winter day—it’s such a fun excuse to get crafty and play a few games! With these 23+ ideas, you’ll have plenty of ways to keep the kids engaged and smiling, whether you’re at home or in the classroom. The Knob will be open February 1, the day BEFORE Groundhog Day, until 4:00pm. The Knob closes to vehicular and pedestrian traffic for site and festivity preparation. The Knob opens back up to vehicular traffic on February 2 nd around 10 am, after all buses have transported visitors off the Knob. There are some really great groundhog themed read alouds for your class to enjoy. I think my favorite is Go to Sleep Groundhog by Judy Cox. I also really love using Gail Gibbons' Groundhog Day. Since she is all about the nonfiction, her book is perfect to compare to the other books. It is also a great illustration of various text features. Every February 2nd is Groundhog Day in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania. Each year, one of America’s strangest traditions occurs as Punxsutawney Phil, a weather-predicting groundhog, is pulled out of his temporary burrow at Gobbler’s Knob to get his prediction of the weather for the coming weeks. Crazybeanrider - So glad you enjoyed my hub about Groundhog Day. Hope you had a great day! :) Stephanie Henkel (author) from USA on February 03, 2013: SidKemp - That would be great! Your hub has some wonderful background information on the origins of Groundhog Day. I'll do the same. Boo McCourt from Washington MI on February 03, 2013: Starring Bill Murray as Phil Connors, a cynical weatherman who finds himself reliving the same day over and over again, Groundhog Day mixes humor with philosophical themes. Alongside Murray, the film stars Andie MacDowell and Chris Elliott. Groundhog Day received critical acclaim upon release and has since become a cultural touchstone. Groundhog Gets A Say – This funny book looks at all the other things groundhogs can do outside of Groundhog’s Day! Easy Groundhog Day Crafts Groundhog Handprint Craft – This project turns kids’ hands into the grass around the groundhog’s burrow, making it a “hands-on” adventure! 61 votes, 91 comments. We always talked about it in 1st~3rd grade this time of year. Wondering if it’s a regional thing since it’s based in PA 5. State a life-lesson you can take from this movie. Suggested Response: Answers will vary. One good response is that life is meaningless and unsatisfying unless people extend themselves to others. This site seems to be THE PLACE to go for all things Groundhog’s Day. In addition to all the happenings revolving around this holiday, there is an area on the site specifically for teachers. The activities that are included range from: Groundhog Day. Phil: Yeah. I’m sorry. You know, I thought it was yesterday. (laughs) Man in Hallway: Oh. (chuckles nervously) Do you ever have déjà vu? Phil: Do you ever have déjà vu, Mrs. Lancaster? Mrs. Lancaster: I don’t think so, but I could check with the kitchen. Drunk is more fun. Phil: (nervous, sweating) I’ve got to talk to
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