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Explore Irish Culture & Heritage on Saint Patrick’s Day
On March 17th we celebrate Saint Patrick’s Day!
In honor of Ireland’s patron saint who helped spread Christianity to the Irish people, Saint Patrick’s Day was observed as a religious holiday for over 1,000 years on the date of his death. Since 1903, it has been an official national holiday of Ireland and grown in popularity across the globe as Irish immigrants introduced Saint Patrick’s day to other countries. Now a global celebration of Irish culture and heritage, Americans from all backgrounds join in each year, from dyeing the city’s river green in Chicago to New York City’s annual parade, enjoying traditional Irish foods, music and dancing, and by wearing the color green!
Learn more about Saint Patrick’s Day, and Irish history and culture, with the resources, videos and crafts below. And check out our line up of Learning at Home programs exploring the Emerald Isle on March 17th and 18th.
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Learn About Irish History and Culture
Irish Jig Dancers | PINKALICIOUS & PETERRIFIC
Grades PreK-2
A group of children learns a series of steps together in order to perform an Irish jig dance in this live-action short video from the PBS KIDS series Pinkalicious & Peterrific. Children will learn about choreography, and appreciate the hard work that goes into creating and practicing a dance, as they watch the boys and girls practice and then perform on stage.
Irish Immigration to the United States | Finding Your Roots
Grades 6-12
When was the last time you took a big chance? Explore the history of Irish immigration in the U.S. through the story of Norah O’Donnell’s grandmother, who arrived from Ireland in 1930 with just $23 in her pocket!
Ireland: Celtic Born/Celtic Inspired | Music Arts Toolkit
Grades 6-12
Galloglas, an ensemble of Irish and Scots descent, performs an a capella duet “My Johnny Was a Shoemaker,” followed by instrumental versions of traditional reels, and concluding with “Turning Colors,” a contemporary original composition inspired by traditional Celtic music. Instruments featured include the guitar, recorder, fiddle, and boghrán (frame drum).
The Irish Famine | Victoria, Season 2
Grades 9-12
Explore the causes and consequences of the “Great Famine,” a period of devastating hunger and disease in 1840s Ireland, in this video excerpt from the 2018 series Victoria, Season 2 | MASTERPIECE.
Activities, Books & More
Make a Tissue Paper Shamrock Craft
Grades PreK-3
It doesn’t matter if you’re Irish or not, every leprechaun will love participating in this festive project.
St. Patrick’s Day Books
Grades PreK-5
Today is your lucky day! Let your little leprechauns flip through these green reads while you celebrate St. Patrick’s Day.
Leprechaun Water Bottle Bowling
Grades K-5
Go “green” and play a lucky bowling game with these do-it-yourself leprechaun bowling pins made from recycled plastic bottles!
Learning at Home Programs
Check out the Mountain Lake PBS Learning at Home block, weekdays from 1-3pm! Join us this month as we explore the rich history, arts, and natural wonders of Ireland.
Thursday, March 17
1 PM: Ireland’s Wild Coast: Part 1
Follow a unique, personal journey along one of the most spectacular coastlines in the world featuring the wildlife and wild places that make it so special. Emmy Award-winning wildlife cameraman, Colin Stafford-Johnson, takes viewers on an authored odyssey along Ireland’s rugged Atlantic coast.
- Program page
- PBS LearningMedia: Humpback Whales Hunting Fish | Ireland’s Wild Coast
2 PM: Ireland’s Wild Coast: Part 2
Follow a unique, personal journey along one of the most spectacular coastlines in the world featuring the wildlife and wild places that make it so special. Emmy Award-winning wildlife cameraman, Colin Stafford-Johnson, takes viewers on an authored odyssey along Ireland’s rugged Atlantic coast.
- Program page
- PBS LearningMedia: The Castlegregory Dunes | Ireland’s Wild Coast
Friday, March 18
2 PM: Celtic Dreams: Daniel Hope’s Hidden Irish History
Behind the wheel of a Morris Traveler, internationally acclaimed violinist Daniel Hope explores Ireland, music, and his family legacy. Celtic Dreams: Daniel Hope’s Hidden Irish History tells the story of how he was able to rediscover his Irish roots.
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