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.
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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.
The Truth about the Irish Potato Famine | Compact History
Grades 3-8
Uncover how the “Great Hunger” reshaped Ireland, sparked an invasion of Canada, and pushed a nation toward independence, then dive deeper with classroom activities!
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).
Humpback Whales Hunting Fish | Ireland’s Wild Coast
Grades 6-12
Every summer, Humpback Whales arrive off the west coast of Ireland. Humbacks have adapted unique behaviors: bubblenetting, lunge feeding, slapping, breaching. While these whales now move freely around Ireland’s coasts, they were once threatened by whaling. The cessation of whaling in these regions has been a remarkable story of conservation success.
Activities, Books & More
Irish Oatmeal Soda Bread
All Ages
Make traditional Irish recipes with your kids this St. Patrick’s Day. Try this soda bread recipe that’s great for beginners. Add in oats for a heartier version with extra crunch!
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!
Make Your Own Four-Leaf Clover Pins
Grades K-5
Whether you’re covered in green or sneaky about it with a pair of socks, wearing green is a must on St. Patrick’s Day! The Irish flag is green, white, and orange, but green is the traditional color for St. Patrick’s Day. Don’t have a green item of clothing to wear? Make a four-leaf clover pin!