Create a "burrow," or hibernation space, out of the classroom by making forts with bedsheets draped over the desks and chairs. Cover the floor beneath the sheets with pillows and cushions. Ask students to pretend they are hibernating animals, curled up in the cozy burrow. Read hibernation stories in the hideout. Create a paper thermometer and increase the temperature throughout the day. Ask volunteers to check the temperature to see if it is warm enough to emerge from the burrow.
Some hibernation games can also teach children valuable skills while they learn about the ways animals hibernate. Students can practice their rhyming skills while pretending to hibernate. Ask the children to act as if they are sleeping through the winter months. When you say two words that rhyme, instruct students to "wake up" from hibernation and jump to their feet. The game promotes recognition of rhymes while actively encouraging the students' participation.
Create a warm burrow for an animal from a Styrofoam cup. Turn the cup over and cut out an opening. Decorate the cave using paints or markers. Cut out small images of animals that hibernate during the winter months to occupy the burrow. You can also use shoe boxes or cardboard tubes to form different sizes of animal burrows.
Set up different types of snacks, such as popcorn, cinnamon treats or freshly baked chocolate chip cookies, around the room in open containers. The treats can vary, but should emit a strong smell. Ask students to pretend to hibernate like animals. Then simulate the springtime, when the hibernation period is over, by asking students to wake up and begin to forage for food.