January is flying by and it’s time to turn our attention to Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania and check in on Groundhog Phil. The most famous, in my opinion, groundhog in the world. I mean think about it, do people come from all over the world just to see if your shadow will tell them if they’ll be wearing long sleeves or short sleeves for the next six weeks?
Not just any groundhog, but known as the…
Seer of Seers, Prognosticator of Prognosticators, Weather Predictor Extraordinaire, National Treasure, and the Most Photographed PennsylvanianÂ
In addition, do you have a club taking care of you? Groundhog Phil does! The Punxsutawney Groundhog Club’s Inner Circle cares for him throughout the year to get him ready for his big day. On February 2nd to mark the occasion, the Inner Circle are dressed in top hats and tuxedos for the big ceremony at Gobbler’s Knob.
One of the funniest teaching moments is trying to get Kinders and Firsties to understand that Phil seeing his shadow meant that Winter would last six more weeks. “He sees his shadow because the sun is shining so it will be nice weather, right?”
Here’s the groundhog poem that saved the day and proofreading activities:
Workstation Option
Where to shop for Groundhog Poem and Proofreading?
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Groundhog Phil Weather Prediction Activity
Fold chart paper in half, use the pictures to divide your chart, and give out markers or crayons. The kiddos can write their names to show their prediction (or use Post-Its, not my first choice because I usually ended up taping them). Also, I draw sunshine over the groundhog with the hat and scarf. I draw clouds over the groundhog with the flowers growing.
Susie Harry | Elton Mary |
| picture | picture |
Their February 2nd Reactions to Groundhog Phil
I remind the kiddos to try to watch the news (t.v., video on caregivers’ phone) and look for Phil! Their reactions are always a hoot:
- He was so fat.
- Phil is big and hairy.
- There were so many people.
- I saw the men in the big hats.
- He looked heavy.
- The man was talking to Phil and acting like Phil was talking back to him.
- I want to go there.
- How far is Pennsylvania?
Either sunshine or clouds, may the next few months be exactly what you’ve wished. Thanks Phil and the Inner Circle for keeping the tradition going since 1887. Did you know if you’re 12 years old or younger, you can join the Jr. Groundhog Club? It does have an annual membership fee, but you get some cool things.
Longer winter? Early spring? Phil, see ya February 2nd!
Until next time,
