winter – Tech Fun In The Library

This little holiday is overlooked by many. I know in my school, until I started sharing books about Groundhog Day, most my young readers had never even heard of it. Teachers have so much to squeeze into their day they don’t have time to add this little holiday into the mix. Thus, sharing books and “celebrating” in the library is a great way to expose students to this quirky little holiday that is sometimes overlooked.

Groundhog Day Read Alouds

Each year I have a different book that I read to each grade. Reading picture books about Groundhog Day to students in the library is a delightful way to get them excited about the season’s big question—will we have an early spring or six more weeks of winter? Depending on where February 2nd falls in the we will celebrate the day of or the day before and other years we celebrate the day after.

Here are some books I like to share with my students:

Kindergarten: How to Catch a Groundhog
1st Grade: Wake Up Groundhog
2nd Grade: Groundhog’s Day Off
3rd Grade: Groundhog’s Dilemma
4th Grade: Groundhog Gets a Say
5th Grade: Groundhog Gets it Wrong
6th Grade: Phil’s Big Day

After we read the story I like to share a video about Groundhog Day so they understand the background behind it and why it is celebrated. Here are a couple good ones I found on Youtube that I like to share with students.

Lesson Finale

After reading the picture book and watching the short video it is time to actually watch the real Phil make his predictions. It is fun to do a quick class vote to see who wants 6 more weeks of winter and who wants an early spring. This year my classes had an overwhelming desire for 6 more weeks of winter because we have not had any snow yet and we are all still hopeful.

If I am doing this lesson prior to Groundhog Day I show the video from the previous year to let them see how it works. Once February 2nd has arrived and the new prediction is made I take time in class to show them the current results. This year Groundhog Day falls on Sunday February 2nd so we will do the lesson on Monday February 3rd and Tuesday February 4th. We will then be able to watch the most recent prediction on the same day we read the stories. I always just go to Youtube and look for “Groundhog Phil Prediction Pennsylvania” to find the most recent one.

Here is the one from this year that we watched.

There you have it, celebrating Groundhog Day in the library with picture books and short video clips is a fun and engaging way to introduce your students to this quirky tradition. So, whether you’re reading a fun picture book, watching a short video, or doing both Groundhog Day in the library is a fantastic way to embrace the season and spark children’s imaginations.

Looking for some fun activities to add to your lesson?

Shop here for Wake Up! Groundhog

Shop here for How to Catch a Groundhog

Snowman-themed stories capture children’s attention through imaginative narratives and whimsical illustrations. The concept of snowmen, which are often depicted as friendly and magical characters, appeals to our student’s sense of wonder. These stories typically feature playful scenarios and adventures that encourage active listening and participation, making read alouds in the library a fun winter activity. Finding read alouds that will engage students is important because when students are engaged, they are more likely to develop a positive association with reading, fostering a love for books.

Here are a few of my favorites to share with students during winter library read alouds.

Sneezy the Snowman by Maureen Wright: Sneezy the Snowman is always trying to find ways to warm up but each one causes him to melt. Find out how his friends help him to stay warm and all in one piece.

Snowmen at Night by Caralyn Buehner: What do snowmen do at night? Find out in this sweet story about what snowmen really do after we all go to bed.

The Snowman by Raymond Briggs: The story of a young boy who builds a snowman that comes to life at the stroke of midnight when a magical adventure begins.

Snowzilla by Janet Lawler: Cami Lou and her brother build a giant snowman after it snows for weeks. Snowzilla becomes a tourist attraction, but some residents believe he causes problems.

Snowman Magic by Katherine Tegan: A boy named George who builds a snowman that comes to life and they have a magical friendship.

Mouse’s First Snowman by Lauren Thompson: A small mouse named Mouse experiences his first snowfall and excitedly decides to build a snowman with his father, discovering the joys of winter activities.

The Biggest Snowman Ever by Steven Kroll: Clayton and Desmond, who compete in a town snowman building contest announced by the mayor of Mouseville, but soon realize that by working together instead of separately, they can create the biggest snowman ever.

How to Catch a Snowman by Adam Wallace: A group of kids enter their snowman in a contest, but the snowman magically comes to life and runs away.

The Most Perfect Snowman by Chris Britts: Drift dreams of being like other snowmen and having a perfect scarf, hat, and carrot nose. Will he finally get them? Will he be able to keep them? Find out in this sweet story of sharing and giving to others.

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