Tot School - Groundhog Day Ideas

Ok - So I think this little rodents are absolutely adorable. In Russian, they are called, "sarok." This week we are getting ready for Groundhog's Day! This poem and hand print craft from Play With Me was soooo cute, that I typed it out and printed to sing with the kids.  As a kindergarten teacher, we did something similar every year.  Using a familiar melody, but changing the words is a fun way to begin reading!  The children become familiar with the songs and are soon able to connect the written word to the words they are singing.  I automatically find myself pointing to the words as we sing them!

 

We also read this Freddy book about Groundhog's Day and the kids really enjoy it. It is a simple story about a groundhog that lives under Freddy's porch. 

 

I usually try to have at least one fun snack a week and this is my silly attempt at a groundhog!  Although these bear buns were  just adorable and could easily pass for a groundhog - I wasn't in the mood to bake the last couple days, so the standby ritz (and baby ritz) crackers, peanut butter, and raisins came out!  My 5 year old said that it looks more like a bear, and I agree, but asked her to use her imagination and to just eat it!!! Do let me know if there are some other cute Groundhog day snack ideas!

 We had a lot of shadow puppet play this week!  It encourages creative thinking and is a great way to talk about shadows.  We also played outside at different times during the day and talked about how our shadow changes depending on where the sun is.  My 2 year old just stares at me and then will repeat a word like "shadow," so I don't really know exactly how much he does or does not understand!  I just know that vocabulary is so important in life and learning to read.  Maybe he doesn't get it this time, but I know that he is building these little vocabulary files in his head and that they will make connections when he is ready! More Groundhog Day crafts here.

And don't worry, I don't just do crafty/ cutesy projects all week.  We have a LOT of outside free play, open ended art projects, dirt play, Legos and pretend play too.  These are just as, if not more important for toddler development!!!!  Remember - it really doesn't matter WHAT you do with your kids, just that you ARE doing it with your kids.  YES, it is easier have them watch a television show, but if you take that time to snuggle up and read or play with them - you are making so much more of a connection with them.  And  I believe that parents are not told enough of what an amazing job they are doing.  If you are reading this and you are playing with your kid this week - you rock!  Give yourself a hug, a smile, or maybe a cup of hot-chocolate as a treat. You are amazing!!!!!

- Amanda

PS - Another cute Groundhog Day post with ideas here!

{This post contains an affiliate link for the book recommendations}