Chapter 5: Argument for a Day Off
Before You Read
Look at the picture.
- What is the name of this animal?
- How many days off (holidays) do you have in your home country?
- Do you like cold weather? How does it make you feel?
Read
Introduction:
February 2nd is a special day in North America. It is Groundhog Day. In the morning, people focus on a little animal called the groundhog. The groundhog sleeps in the winter. It comes out of its home on February 2nd. People interpret the groundhog’s shadow. If the groundhog sees its shadow, spring will come in 6 weeks. If the groundhog does not see its shadow, spring will come earlier. It is a fun event for Canadians. It is a special day. It should be a holiday. Groundhog Day is significant, so Canada should give companies, government offices, and schools a day off.
It Celebrates Nature:
Experts say that humans use technology too much. Canadians need to feel more connected to the natural environment. Natural connections contribute to strong bodies and healthy minds. Groundhog Day is a time to think about nature. It brings attention to the change of seasons. Making Groundhog Day a holiday can encourage Canadians to reconnect with nature. They can spend the day outdoors. They can get involved in winter activities. They can see the beauty of winter and plan for spring.
It Celebrates History:
Groundhog Day is a North American tradition. It started from the Pennsylvania Dutch culture. Now, it is special to Canadians and Americans. The event is repeated every year. Making Groundhog Day a holiday can remind people of their cultural history. It gives Canadians and Americans a common topic to discuss.
It Solves Health Problems:
Winters in some areas of Canada can be hard. There is little sunshine. The temperature is very cold. Many people feel sad. Some people have negative thoughts. Making Groundhog Day a holiday can give Canadians a break from everyday tasks. Groundhog Day can give people time to rest, recharge, and reduce stress.
It Helps Cities:
Punxsutawney Phil, Groundhog Day 2022, Pennsylvania
Some small towns have events to celebrate Groundhog Day. Making Groundhog Day a holiday can encourage more cities to create more events. Teams can plan festivals. Volunteers can use their skills and talents. Everyone can participate if they have the day off from their jobs. As a result, cities can have more visitors. Cities can make more money. Cities can become more successful.
It Includes Everyone:
Making Groundhog Day a holiday matches Canada’s values of multiculturalism and fairness. All Canadians can enjoy Groundhog Day. It does not focus on groups of special cultures, careers, or practices. It does not require people to believe in the power of the groundhog. Research shows that a groundhog’s shadow does not match the data about the coming of spring. Groundhog Day is simply an opportunity to celebrate together, to enjoy a bit of fun, and to disconnect from the routine of daily life.
Groundhog Day is significant in several ways. It is not just a creative day. Making Groundhog Day a holiday can result in stronger countries and cities. It improves health. It keeps history. The government needs to make the decision. Give Groundhog Day honour. Make Groundhog Day a day off!
Vocabulary
Review of all words from Chapters 1-4
Company
Creative
Data
Decision
Match
Research
Result
Routine
Solve
Team
Career
Contribute
Event
Expert
Flexible
Job
Plan
Skill
Successful
Topic
Connect
Humans
Involved
Practice
Require
Several
Stress
Tasks
Technology
Volunteer
Area
Attention
Conclusion
Culture
Focus
Interpret
Negative
Repeat
Significant
Store
After You Read
- What is the strongest reason to support making Groundhog Day a holiday? Fill in the blank: “Making Groundhog Day a holiday can_________________.”
- Did you experience Canada’s winter yet? Explain your answer.
- Did you celebrate any special days that were not holidays in your home country? Explain your answer.
Media Attributions
- Groundhog by Shenandoah National Park is licensed under PDM 1.0.
- Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. Amish, Mennonite and Pennsylvania Dutch children all patronized the candy stand at this farm auction by John Collier, Jr. is licensed as Public Domain.
- Punxsutawney Phil Groundhog Day 2022 Pennsylvania by Anthony Quintano is licensed under CC BY 2.0.
References
Arizona State University. (2024). EdPlus Voiceover Generator [Voiceover audio generator].
Groundhog day. (2024, July 30). In Wikipedia.
Microsoft. (2023). Copilot [Large language model].
Winick, S. (2022, February 1). Groundhog day: Ancient origins of a modern celebration. Library of Congress Blog.
Artificial Intelligence Disclosure
- Microsoft Copilot was used as a brainstorming tool for this chapter.
- The Arizona State University EdPlus Voiceover Generator was used to create the audio recording of the reading. Adaptations include modification of speed and/or timing, and comping of output takes.
Focus - view the definition in the Collins Dictionary [New Tab]
Interpret - view the definition in the Collins Dictionary [New Tab]
Event - view the definition in the Collins Dictionary [New Tab]
Significant - view the definition in the Collins Dictionary [New Tab]
Company - view the definition in the Collins Dictionary [New Tab]
Expert - view the definition in the Collins Dictionary [New Tab]
Humans - view the definition in the Collins Dictionary [New Tab]
Technology - view the definition in the Collins Dictionary [New Tab]
Connect - view the definition in the Collins Dictionary [New Tab]
Contribute - view the definition in the Collins Dictionary [New Tab]
Attention - view the definition in the Collins Dictionary [New Tab]
Involved - view the definition in the Collins Dictionary [New Tab]
Plan - view the definition in the Collins Dictionary [New Tab]
Culture - view the definition in the Collins Dictionary [New Tab]
Repeat - view the definition in the Collins Dictionary [New Tab]
Topic - view the definition in the Collins Dictionary [New Tab]
Solve - view the definition in the Collins Dictionary [New Tab]
Area - view the definition in the Collins Dictionary [New Tab]
Negative - view the definition in the Collins Dictionary [New Tab]
Tasks - view the definition in the Collins Dictionary [New Tab]
Stress - view the definition in the Collins Dictionary [New Tab]
Team - view the definition in the Collins Dictionary [New Tab]
Skill - view the definition in the Collins Dictionary [New Tab]
Job - view the definition in the Collins Dictionary [New Tab]
Successful - view the definition in the Collins Dictionary [New Tab]
Match - view the definition in the Collins Dictionary [New Tab]
Career - view the definition in the Collins Dictionary [New Tab]
Practise - view the definition in the Collins Dictionary [New Tab]
Require - view the definition in the Collins Dictionary [New Tab]
Research - view the definition in the Collins Dictionary [New Tab]
Data - view the definition in the Collins Dictionary [New Tab]
Routine - view the definition in the Collins Dictionary [New Tab]
Conclusion - view the definition in the Collins Dictionary [New Tab]
Several - view the definition in the Collins Dictionary [New Tab]
Creative - view the definition in the Collins Dictionary [New Tab]
Result - view the definition in the Collins Dictionary [New Tab]
Decision - view the definition in the Collins Dictionary [New Tab]
