St. Patrick's Day Reading for Kids

Perhaps the most reading fun I've had with children at St. Patrick's Day was in the years that mischievous leprechauns visited my classroom or house on March 17. Those ornery little creatures played several tricks on the children: turning furniture around, hiding toys, and so forth. They always left a note for the kids to find (and read!) that taunted and teased. At the end of the day, the leprechauns left a riddle that told of golden treasure to be found when the directions were followed (again, WRITTEN directions!). When the young readers followed the clues, they discovered the leprechauns had left gold-wrapped chocolate coins for everyone.

Why not give the Little People a bit of help this St. Patrick's Day? Young children will love the mystery and the chocolate, and will practice reading several times as you carry out the plan.

Uncover a bit of history about the Emerald Isle. Send your kids on a scavenger hunt through encyclopedias or over the internet (with supervision) to find out the history of St. Patrick's Day and why we are celebrating.

There's magic in the air, and young readers and writers can concoct their own fun with this activity. Start them off with the beginning of a story about leprechauns and let them see what they can come up with for the ending.

This can be as simple as an intriguing sentence, or you can set the story up completely with an opening that includes characters and a dilemma. Let the children use their imaginations! Who knows, they may come up with a new tradition that will be requested year after year....

Check out Irish Leprechaun Activity Sheets for some great elementary level worksheets including a fill-in story with St. Patrick's Day words.