Groundhog Day Lesson | What is Groundhog Day?

Our Groundhog Day lesson is for ESL students to learn vocabulary and expressions to talk about Groundhog Day, what is Groundhog Day?, and superstitions. Learn natural vocabulary and expressions in our ESL Video Conversations.

Watch the ESL video about Groundhog Day to practice using new vocabulary and expressions. Get the printable ESL worksheets and ESL lesson plans, digital flashcards, listening and reading exercises, and everything you need for the perfect digital and remote English lessons when you subscribe.

ESL Video on Groundhog Day Lesson

Watch the following YouTube video:

ESL Conversation on Groundhog Day Lesson

Juri: So, what exactly is Groundhog Day Tom?

Tom: Groundhog Day?
Haha! Well, it’s a popular tradition that is celebrated in Canada and the US on February 2nd. It comes from an old superstition.
Basically, if a groundhog comes out from its burrow on this day and sees its own shadow… because it’s a clear day… it will go back to its hole … and winter will continue for another 6 weeks.
If it doesn’t see its shadow because it’s cloudy outside, then spring will arrive early.

Juri: Really? Wow, that’s so interesting and funny. Is it really true?

Tom: Haha!
Well, some people really believe it.
It’s still really popular and many people really do think it’s real.
There have been a lot of studies done on it, but there’s nothing that really shows a clear link between whether the groundhog sees its shadow and how long winter will last.

Juri: Do you believe it?

Tom: Well, I don’t know if I believe it or not.
I always hope that the groundhog doesn’t see its shadow.
And I really get excited when it doesn’t.
Then, on the other hand, if the groundhog does see its shadow,
I always claim that it’s just a silly superstition anyway.
So, I guess it depends on whether it is what I want to hear or not.

Juri: Very interesting. Very, very interesting!

What is Groundhog Day?

ESL Questions on What is Groundhog Day?

1. When is Groundhog Day celebrated?
2. What happens if a groundhog sees its shadow?
3. What happens if a groundhog doesn’t see its shadow?
4. Where is Groundhog Day celebrated?
5. What do studies show about Groundhog Day?
6. How does Tom feel when the groundhog doesn’t see its shadow?
7. How does Tom react if the groundhog does see its shadow?
8. Does Tom believe in Groundhog Day?

Vocabulary & Expressions

burrow	popular	real	superstition	claim
shadow	clear x 2	hole	link	tradition

Fill-in-the-Blanks

Complete the following sentences using the words above. You may have to change the tense or form of the words.

1. It’s _______________ to eat turkey for Thanksgiving.
2. It’s the perfect day to fly a kite. Nothing but _______________ skies.
3. January is a _______________ time of year to set new goals.
4. There a strong _______________ between eating fast food and heart disease.
5. In the US, the number 13 is unlucky. However, this is only a _______________.
6. Michael was angry and punched a _______________ in the wall.
7. I can see your _______________ in the snow. What a beautiful day!
8. He _______________ that he didn’t know the man. We don’t know if we believe him or not.
9. Do you buy a fake tree or a _______________ one for Christmas?
10. He gave many _______________ examples of how to use it effectively.
11. The rabbit went back to its _______________.

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Reference: WE20