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Your guide to purposeful outdoor play

Get outside and play with your shadow. Want inspiration? Here are a few favorite ways to spark shadow play:

1. Wave, Jump, Dance, March, Spin (arms way out!)
2. Get really big or small
3. Make letters or spell out words
4. Join other shadow(s) to make a shape (circle, heart, square, triangle, etc) or cool designs
5. Give a high five or handshake to someone else’s shadow without actually touching
6. Do some yoga (e.g. tree pose)
7. Turn into a creature (lions, tigers, spiders, deer, birds...you name it!)
8. Turn into an imaginary friend (from princesses to ninjas to medusa, the possibilities are endless)

Play with Shadows!

What is Tinkergarten?

Tinkergarten helps families get outside to make the most of their kids’ early learning years. Join us and get expert-led classes, weekly curriculum, and practical guidance to build outdoor play-based learning into your child’s weekly routine.

Shadow Art

Got Clouds?

Follow these easy steps to turn shadows into art!

1. Grab paint, markers or sidewalk chalk. Lay a piece of paper on the ground or just head to a paved surface.
2. Gather objects with interesting 3-D shapes like rocks, limbs or large pine cones. Favorite dinosaurs or other toys are most welcome, too!
3. Line up objects along one side of the paper or ground so they cast a shadow on the drawing surface.
4. Model tracing or coloring one of the shadows.
5. Step aside and welcome kids to use your paint, marker or chalk to follow your lead or make any kind of art inspired by the shadows.

Fear not! Even Punxsutawney Phil has cloudy days and can't easily find his shadow. But, with a little creativity, you can still enjoy shadow play!

1. Get a flashlight or turn on the flashlight that comes with a phone.
2. Bring a piece of cloth or paper outside and lay it on the ground (Got snow? You're all set!).
3. Shine your flashlight over your hands, sticks or other nature objects to cast a shadow on your paper, cloth or snow. 
4. Be playful and have fun seeing how the shadows change as you move!

Why We Celebrate

Though it may seem on the silly side, Groundhog Day is a moment to capture. It's the day we are officially half way through winter, and it has been celebrated as such for centuries. Helping our kiddos learn and celebrate these natural moments deepens their connection to the natural world. Even better, when we share our celebration moments, we help kids feel part of a nature-connected community, too. 

To join in the celebration, tag @tinkergarten and #TGmoments when you share photos or video of your Groundhog Day celebrations!

Whether you love every minute of winter or love winter most when it’s over, we’re halfway through the season. Check out our free Winter Thrive Guide for ideas about the mindsets, activities and special moments that can make the back half of winter super special. 

Halfway to Spring!