A guide for using our resources

Children will identify how light and objects interact to create shadows.

Vocabulary: shadow, observe, light source

Science Focus: investigate light

Social Studies Focus: Groundhog Day

  1. Watch a Video:

    It's My Shadow

     

  2. Read the Issue:

    Spot the Shadow

     

  3. Play a Game:
    Pick a Slight Word— Feed the Groundhog!

    Skill: decode words

     

  4. Complete Skill Sheets 

    Reading Checkpoint

    Skill: reading comprehension

     

    A Famous Shadow Story

    Skill: reading a chart

     

    Shadow Digraphs

    Skill: digraphs

     

  5. Lesson Boosters 

  • Paired Text Suggestion: Groundhog's Runaway Shadow by David Biedrzycki

     

  • Phonics Focus: Digraph sh

     

CCSS (and states that have similar standards): RI.1.1 ask and answer questions; RI.1.4 determine meaning of words; RI.1.10 read informational texts; RF.1.3 digraphs; W.1.8 gather information; SL.1.1 participate in collaborative conversations

Simple, spectacular ideas to boost your lessons.

Paired Text Suggestion: Groundhog's Runaway Shadow by David Biedrzycki

  • Can you really lose your shadow? In this silly book, that's what happens to Phil Groundhog! While students enjoy Phil's adventures as he seeks his shadow, they will also get a sweet story about friends sticking together.

Phonics Focus: Digraph sh

  • Review the heading at the top of the article. Have students practice making the beginning sound in the word shadows. Which letters make the beginning sound? Ask students to use a crayon or marker to trace the letters that make the sh sound.
  • Then give students time to circle all the words in the article that begin with sh. Students can share how many words they found in each box.
  • Ask students if they found a word that was NOT the word shadow. Did anyone find shape or shine?

Hands-On Activity: Did the Groundhog See Its Shadow?

Skill: gross-motor

Materials: flashlight, something to crawl under such as a blanket, long table, etc.

  • Students will act out the legend of Groundhog Day as they look for their shadows.
  • Have a class discussion on what happens on Groundhog Day. Remind students that a groundhog pops out of its burrow and looks for its shadow. If it sees its shadow, there will be six more weeks of winter. If it does not see its shadow, spring is near!
  • Have kids line up behind something they can wiggle through or under. Explain that this will be the groundhog burrow. Dim the classroom lights and stand at the other end of the burrow, with a flashlight.
  • One at a time, have each student crawl through the burrow. As children come out the other end, shine the fl ashlight on some, but not others.
  • Your little groundhogs can predict the weather depending on whether they saw their shadow or not!