Groundhog Day (Groundhog Day Groundhog Day Groundhog Day...)

Apparently life is imitating art! Just like in the Bill Murray movie, winter will be 'repeating itself' for six more weeks... at least according to Punxsutawney Phil, the world's most famous groundhog!  The tradition of forecasting the weather for the rest of the winter in early February started in medieval Europe with the celebration of Candelmas day.  The English and Scottish have several poems and songs talking about weather forecasting on that day, and how it can predict the end or continuation of winter.  In my class today, we talked about weather and its importance in our lives through different centers during our literacy period, which I will describe for you here, as well as some of the information my students 'dug up' about these meteorologically gifted rodents!  I hope you enjoy reading about our 'flow of the day' for today's literacy activities...

(Photo copyright Flickr user ckirkman)