St. Patrick's Day Events for Preschoolers
Each year the world celebrates the anniversary of the death of St. Patrick on March 17, also known as St. Patrick's Day. In more traditional circles, St. Patrick's Day is a religious holiday that recognizes the influence St. Patrick wielded in the Catholic Church in fifth-century Ireland. Many Americans adopt the philosophy that everyone is Irish on St. Patrick's Day and observe March 17 by donning green and meeting at the local Irish pub. While the pub is not an appropriate place for a preschooler, there are several events for young children to get into the spirit of Saint Patrick's Day. Does this Spark an idea?
Other People Are Reading
-
St. Patrick's Day Parades
-
During the 19th century, many poor Irish farmers immigrated to the United States searching for a better future. Consequently, a large percentage of Americans claim Irish heritage. Cities with particularly large concentrations of Irish immigrants, including Boston, Chicago and New York, host large St. Patrick's Day parades. Chicago even dyes its river green. Other cities, like Los Angeles, host mini parades and schedule events such as bagpipe concerts to recognize the day. Dress you preschooler in green and take him to a parade or city event near you. Often these events attract large crowds that may overstimulate younger children, so schedule your arrival and departure when he has had plenty of rest.
Preschool Events
-
Send your preschoolers on a hunt for a pot of gold. Often preschools seize the opportunity to host events for school days that fall on smaller holidays like St. Patrick's Day. Preschoolers love to read stories with simple plot lines or listen to fairy tales. Many preschool instructors teach the children about Irish folklore, including leprechauns. Preschoolers can hunt for their own pot of gold at the end of a rainbow. Pass out outlines of pots of gold and allow the children to color them. Write the child's name on the pot of gold. Place a picture of a rainbow in each corner of the room. Split the pots of gold evenly under the rainbows and have each preschooler find his pot of gold.
-
Religious Events
-
Preschoolers in Catholic families can attend a special Mass for St. Patrick's Day. Many Catholic churches recognize the contributions St. Patrick made on St. Patrick's Day by hosting events for preschoolers during Sunday school. St. Patrick was largely responsible for converting Irish people to Christianity during the fifth century. He taught the Irish about the holy trinity --- the Father, the Son and the Holy Ghost. St. Patrick used the three leaves of a shamrock to teach the trinity. Coloring shamrocks is a popular activity for preschoolers on St. Patrick's Day.
Family Events
-
If your preschool-age child does not yet attend school, you can celebrate St. Patrick's Day at home. Host a St. Patrick's Day feast for your immediate family. Boiled cabbage, potatoes, corned beef and Irish soda bread are simple and traditional Irish foods your child will enjoy. Read your child the famous Dr. Seuss book "Green Eggs and Ham." If your child is adventurous, dye the milk green for your feast. Play Celtic music in the background while your family enjoys food from the Emerald Isle.
-
References
Resources
- Photo Credit Hemera Technologies/Photos.com/Getty Images Thinkstock Images/Comstock/Getty Images
