Shadow Shapes

crayola supplies

household supplies

Why

Regardless of whether the ground hog sees his shadow or not on February 2, kids can create their own Shadow Shapes—and make them all year 'round.

Steps

  1. 1. With a partner, find a dark room with one source of light that casts shadows on the floor. Or ask a third person to hold a flashlight.
  2. 2. Practice forming shapes of animals and other images with one or both of your hands. Place black construction paper on the floor. While you form and hold your Shadow Shapes, your partner traces them onto the paper with a Crayola® Construction Paper Crayon. What do you think the shadow of a groundhog like Punxsutawney Phil looks like?
  3. 3. Switch places with your partner so you both have turns. Make several different kinds of shapes!
  4. 4. Color your shapes and add outlines and features with crayons.
  5. 5. If you are 4 or older, cut out your shapes with Crayola Scissors. Adults help younger children with cutting for safety.
  6. 6. Glue shapes onto white construction paper with a Crayola Glue Stick.

When & Where

"This is a popular partner activity, especially on rainy days. Kids think up silly names for their creative shapes."
- Russella T., after-school child care volunteer.

"The girls at our daughter's slumber party couldn't wait to take their Shadow Shapes home to show their families."
- Iman and Maria R., parents of 8-year-old.

Interesting Info

Groundhog Day has been celebrated every February 2 since 1886 in Punxsutawney, Pa. If Punxsutawney Phil sees his shadow, the tradition is that there will be 6 more weeks of winter. Phil sees his shadow 90% of the time.

Safety Guidelines

Adult Assistance is required for this arts & crafts project.

Scissors—ATTENTION: The cutting edges of scissors are sharp and care should be taken whenever cutting or handling. Blunt-tip scissors should be used only by children 4 years and older. Pointed-tip scissors should be used only by children 6 years and older.

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