Classroom Fun in February

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.

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, and of course, our President and his famous wife, Barak and Michelle Obama, among many others. Find more ideas at Lessons to Celebrate Black History Month.

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 Valentine's Day: Doesn't anyone write letters anymore? for some ideas on teaching letter writing at Valentine's Day.

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

Another fun February activity is Dental Health Month. Find other things for your class to celebrate any day in February at Today in History.

February may be a short month, but it is packed with events, so get out there and enjoy some February Fun!

Original copyright 2001 +Irene Taylor. Permission to republish in print or online must be granted by Irene Taylor in writing.