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Fun in February!

© Irene Taylor

February is the shortest month of the year, but a month that is packed with many learning opportunities. Enjoy these different activities and have some fun in February!

Groundhog Day - February 2 is Groundhog Day. This is the day we set aside to "decide" whether Spring is almost here, of if there will be six more weeks of Winter. The official groundhog in the United States is Punxsutawney Phil. Every year he is brought out of his groundhog hole in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania to make a prediction about Winter's end. Keeping track of Phil's predictions and making a few of your own are fun early February projects. See The Groundhog Party for some fun activities and information. Also, Groundhog.org, the Groundhog Day 2001 Guide, and 2001 Schedule of Events offer more ideas for celebration this day. Or send a Groundhog Day card at Hallmark.com.

This is a good time of the year to also do a few lessons on the seasons. My article, Sunrise, Sunset has a few good ideas you might like to try.

Black History Month - February is designated as Black History Month. This is a good time to make your students familiar with some famous Black Americans. Have students research a famous Black American and prepare a short talk on his or her life and achievements. Students should also create a poster or drawing to display. Start early so that you can have one or two students give talks throughout the month. After each talk, post the accompanying visual on a Black History Month bulletin Board display. Some famous Black Americans students may want to research are Ronald McNair, Rosa Parks, Jesse Owens, Marian Anderson, Langston Hughes, Oprah Winfrey among many others. Find more ideas at Lessons to Celebrate Black History Month, Today in Black History, and A Black History Treasure Hunt, and Celebrate Black History.

Valentine's Day - Valentine's Day is a great holiday to celebrate in school. Use this day of love to promote getting along with others, thoughtfulness and letter writing. See Love Letters for some ideas on teaching letter writing at Valentine's Day. Learn about the traditions of this holiday or find other activities at the Valentine's Day Idea Place at 123child.com.

President's Day is another great February holiday. Find some ideas for celebrating this day at The Presidents' Day Page, Presidents' Day, The Presidents' Day Quiz page, or at take part in the Presidents' Day Project.