Fun Ways to Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in School
Do you love celebrating St. Patrick’s Day in your library or classroom even if you are not Irish? Although I do have an Irish-American heritage, I always love seeing students, regardless of ethnicity, enjoy fun St. Patrick’s Day activities.
The little ones are tickled to tell me about the antics of a naughty leprechaun who visited their classroom while they were at lunch. Supplies were spilled on the floor, books turned upside down. Maybe someone even tinkled green in the potty! The owner of those tiny footprints, perhaps?
Holiday Fun Can Still Be Academic
Middle graders have fun with themed word searches, counting shamrocks or interactive Google Slides decks about rainbows and pots of gold. They might create a leprechaun trap in the STEM lab.
Myth vs. Reality
Older students research the history of St. Patrick, separating legend from reality. Or, answer reading comprehension questions about Ireland and its customs. Try this Jeopardy style quiz game:
For years, one of our teachers had her class put on a performance of the Irish jig and sing Irish songs, in between presentations about the significance of Irish symbols. All other classes visited throughout the day to join in the celebration. Everyone felt Irish for a day!
In the library, I rotate a fun display on the Circulation Desk every month. Read more about it:
How to Decorate Your Library All Year Round
In March, I put out a plastic pot (if you can’t find a black one, get a witch’s cauldron around Halloween). I put a circle of metallic cardstock around the rim and glue down fake gold coins. Watch out for the leprechaun figure “guarding” the pot of gold. I may sprinkle other decorations such as rainbows, shamrocks, lucky horseshoes, if I have room. I usually put all the books with green covers on prominent display. Books about Ireland or folklore are also popular.
Grab these free bookmarks:
Why not try some of these activities for a festive class celebration? You will love celebrating St.Patrick’s Day in your library or classroom even if you are not Irish!
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