For our St. Patrick's Day Theme Week, I wanted to focus more on Ireland and Irish culture than leprechauns and rainbows. We included a bit of that, of course, but it didn't seem like much substance on which to build a whole week of learning. So we made some Irish recipes, learned about the actual Saint Patrick, listened to Irish music, and found Ireland on a map. Plus some leprechaun stuff.
At the time we did these activities, Lena was 4.5 and Maggie was almost 3.
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Shamrock Garland
Making this Shamrock Garland helped the girls work on their letter recognition, sounding out words, and fine motor skills. Plus it provided us with some (oh-so-classy) St. Patrick's Day decoration!
St. Patty's POPS
One of our snacks this week has been our St. Patty's POPS. We've been making these yummy fruit and yogurt popsicles for most every holiday lately. They're just so cute and easy, and are a good way to sneak in a little bit extra nutrition into your kiddos!
Play Dough Tray
Without a doubt, this St. Patrick's Day Play Dough Tray has been the biggest hit of the week. Lena and Maggie have played with it several times, each time for over an hour. That's a win in my book! Plus, their little hands got a great workout to help develop their fine motor skills.
Printables
These St. Patrick's Day Printables from Over The Big Moon are fantastic! My girls loved the bright colors, and the activities were at just the right ability level to provide a (do-able) challenge for Maggie. Lena also loved helping her on some of the tougher activities!
Irish Soda Bread
Traditional Irish soda bread is SO easy to make! It's the perfect recipe to have your kids help you with in the kitchen, since there are only 4 ingredients. I used this recipe from Let's Dish Recipes and it was delicious! Doesn't it look yummy?
Sticker Patterns
For most every holiday, I pick up a few packs of stickers from our local craft store. They're usually only $1 each, and there's so much you can do with them! For this activity, I set up some simple pattern strips for Maggie to work on.
Cut a piece of paper or cardstock into strips and make simple patterns with your stickers for your child to continue. Help as needed!
Irish Music
We used our favorite Internet radio, Pandora, to listen to some wonderful Irish and Celtic tunes this week while we did some of our activities. We played the "St. Patrick's Day" channel, and it allowed the girls to get a feel for jigs and reels.
Picture Books
I rounded up some great books about Irish legends, folk tales, and traditions. Check them out here!
Geography
If you're talking about St. Patrick's Day, you've got to make sure that your kids know where Ireland is! We used our globe and pointed out Ireland and some surrounding geographic features. Then I reviewed the information several times throughout the week with them on our world map placemats
during our meals. Easy!
during our meals. Easy!Fizzing Shamrock Science
You have GOT to try this Magic Fizzing Shamrock science activity from Gift of Curiosity. I won't give away the secret, but it kept both Maggie (who has a strong anti-painting stance) and Lena squealing and laughing at the table for nearly an hour. Plus they learned a little bit of science while we were at it.
Poetry
I've been trying to read more poetry to the girls. This week I read them several poems from one of our favorite poetry books, Julie Andrews' Treasury for All Seasons: Poems and Songs to Celebrate the Year. It includes "When Irish Eyes Are Smiling" by Chauncey Olcott and Geo. Graff Jr. and "On St. Patrick's Day" by Jenny Whitehead. I just love the illustrations in this book!
Need even more ideas for a St. Patrick's Day theme week? Be sure to check out the Cutting Tiny Bites Pinterest board below!
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