Saint Patrick’s Day is around the corner! This festive spring (or almost spring) holiday celebrated on March 17 honors and celebrates the legacy of St. Patrick, patron saint of Ireland, and of course Irish culture. Over time, the day has become known for its cheerful traditions: Irish music and dancing, wearing green, searching for shamrocks, spotting leprechauns, enjoying lively parades, decorations and a special traditional meal.
As a Catholic who can claim at least a small percentage of Irish heritage AND attended Catholic schools, it was always a day to look forward to: we got a break from Lenten observances for the day and enjoyed all kinds of fun, well into adulthood (if you know, you know). It’s a popular day celebrated by many, regardless of background! For kids, St. Patrick’s Day offers a perfect opportunity to revisit the story of Saint Patrick, his significance in Christianity and Ireland, and mix creativity and imagination with learning and storytelling. Here are five simple, kid-friendly crafts and stories to incorporate into your Saint Patrick’s Day fun this year!
1. The Leprechaun Trap
This may be the easiest of all, because there really is no right or wrong way to set a trap for those crafty (pun intended) little leprechauns. Gather some materials and let the kids come up with their own ideas!
Some fun suggestions:
The box or jar trap:
Using a small, recycled box such as a shoe or tissue box (or a small jar), some paint, popsicle sticks, glitter, glue, and any other embellishments you can find, have your children “camouflage” the box (particularly around the opening) and then construct a ladder out of the popsicle sticks leading to the opening. Add a candy and/or coin trail leading to, and up the ladder to entice the leprechaun so he falls in!
The rainbow slide:
Have your kid(s) draw or paint a rainbow on a strip of butcher paper, and tape it to the side of a table or chair, creating a “slide” that ends in a small pot or bowl. Fill the bowl with “gold” for the trap.
The garden trap:
Using elements from nature such as twigs, grass, moss and small stones, create a small “garden” in a medium-sized plant tray. Using an upside-down mini plant pot as a house, propping up one side with some pebbles and moss. Hide chocolate or real coins under the moss.
Books: “How to Catch a Leprechaun” by Adam Wallace, “Clever Tom and the Leprechaun” by Linda Shute
2. Coffee Filter Shamrocks
All you need are some bleached coffee filters, washable green markers, and a spray bottle! (Thanks to Timm Sevitz on YouTube- video here.)
– Fold a coffee filter in half twice.
– Draw a straight-sided “heart.”
– Color it in with green markers.
– Spray it with water and let it dry.
– Unfold and enjoy your four-leaf clover, or cut off a leaf to create a shamrock.
– Attach a rainbow if you wish, and use as a window or wall decoration!
Book: “Saint Patrick’s Day in the Morning” by Eve Bunting
3. Lucky 3D Button Art
Grab a small canvas, some glue, and a bag of buttons.
– Draw a clover on the canvas.
– Let your child(ren) sort and glue green buttons to fill it in, wait for it to dry. Feel free to paint the rest of the canvas gold or add some glitter for the perfect St. Paddy’s decor!
Book: “Fiona’s Luck” by Theresa Bateman
4. Stand-Up Saint Patrick and the Snakes
Legend has it that Saint Patrick banished snakes from Ireland! Whether metaphorical, literal, or both, it is a cherished story in Christian tradition. Using a paper tube and this convenient printable (or draw your own), have your children color in Saint Patrick. Next, cut and paste the picture on the tube. Using some green pipe cleaners, create “snakes” fleeing from his feet. This makes for great pretend play!
Books: “Saint Patrick’s Day” by Gail Gibbons or “Patrick: Patron Saint of Ireland” by Tomie DePaola
5. Celtic Cross “Stained Glass” Sun Catcher
You will need: multiple colors of tissue paper, a black permanent marker, contact paper, and scissors
– Cut out small squares from various colored tissue paper.
– Draw a Celtic Cross on two sheets of contact paper and cut them out.
– Peeling one sheet to expose the adhesive side, have your child stick the tissue paper on to the cross in whatever pattern they choose. Once they are finished, peel off the other cross and place it sticky side down on the tissue paper, creating a seal. Now you can punch a small hole in the top and hang your cross in a sunny window!
Book: “A Fine Saint Patrick’s Day” by Susan Wojciechowski
I hope you enjoy at least one of these kid-friendly crafts and stories as part of your celebration! For more Saint Patrick’s Day fun, check out these additional crafts and snacks! Happy Saint Patrick’s Day!
