Groundhog Day 2012

Hello Everyone!!
Welcome to Groundhog Day 2012!  Yes, it is a big deal for first graders!!  We began thinking and predicting yesterday with high expectations for today. We created some cute little groundhogs and arranged them according to our predictions. Some of the other first grade classes joined us!!

 Some kids even got up early to watch the news about Punxatawney Phil and whether or not he saw his shadow! Here are some of my favorite things from the day!
Our classtime this morning started with our "Think outside the box" Thursday creative expression warm up.  I am so amazed at the creativity in so many of my kids.  They pride themselves in thinking of something that no one else will think of. I am also amazed that non of the kids thought of doing a groundhog!!  :)  Enjoy these pics.

 We read several fun books about Groundhogs, both fiction and non fiction.  Did you know that a woodchuck is another name for a groundhog?  :)
Of course snack time called for something appropriate...Heads and Tails Oreos!  What a treat!

We have been working on alliteration, so of course we had to work on the tongue twister about the woodchuck!!  Have your kids recite it for you!!  So fun!

Science brought discussions of shadows and sunlight, seasons, and the earth's rotation.  Then of course we had to go out and test the shadows ideas!!!  We used a cutout of a cute little groundhog to see what caused the shadows.

Hope you all had a great day!  Can't wait for the 100th day of school tomorrow!!!
Thanks for stopping by and taking a peek into our wonder-filled first grade world!!
Joyfully!
Nancy