Let’s Get Sham-Rocking!: Shamrock Lacing Cards for Fine Motor Practice

St. Patrick’s Day Facts to Share with Your Preschoolers!

These St. Patrick’s Day preschool facts are basic, and easy to build a theme around. If you need some background information, or just want to sharpen your knowledge of St. Patrick’s Day, these fun facts will get you started.

 

Why is it that we celebrate St. Patrick’s Day on March 17th, anyway?

It turns out that was the day St. Patrick died. He was born in 385 AD and died on March 17, 460 AD. Born in the Welsh town of Banwen, St. Patrick was actually from Britain. He wasn’t even Irish, believe it or not!

What’s with the parades?

The first St. Patrick’s Day Parade was in Boston, not Ireland, in 1737. Your preschoolers might enjoy having a parade to display their “wearing of the green” on St. Patrick’s Day.

Are there snakes in Ireland?

St. Patrick was said to have driven out all the snakes from Ireland. To this day, there are no snakes on the Emerald Isle, but it turns out that snakes have never been indigenous to Ireland, due to the cold waters that surround the island. Since snakes are cold-blooded creatures, they could never make the swim! Many people say that St. Patrick drove out pagan influences, and therefore, the word “snakes” was symbolic.

What’s a Leprechaun?

Leprechauns are a part of old Irish legend. They are said to be shoemakers. Irish legends say that if you spot a leprechaun, he will have to tell you where his pot of gold can be found. There are many fables surrounding these playful, mythical creatures. Share one with your preschoolers and watch how delighted they become!

Are you wearing green?

People wear green on St. Patrick’s Day. This is because the color green is Ireland’s national color. Ireland is known as the Emerald Isle because of the rich, green landscapes, brought about by frequent rains.

 

Valentine’s Day Heart Bag: Social Foundations

This is a great school readiness activity for developing social foundations. At the age of 4, children should show further progress in developing friendships with peers, even if a bond is formed with just one other child. At this age, children also begin to try and please other children by giving gifts, inviting friends to play, and performing other friendship building activities. By creating Valentine’s Day bags to give to other children or to receive valentine’s day cards in, children will begin to understand that the act of giving is associated with love and friendship. See full directions below the video.

What you will need:

  • Construction Paper (2 colors)
  • Scissors
  • Glue
  • Hole Puncher
  • 2 Pipe Cleaners
  • Circle Die-Cut (optional) * Can be used for free at The Promise Resource Center!

Directions:

  • Begin by cutting 2 large circles from your construction paper. You can always use the medium circle die-cut and rolling accu-cut machine from The Promise Resource Center for free!
  • Fold each circle in half.
  • Glue one circle to the inside of the other so that they look like a heart when put together.
  • Punch 2 holes in the top of each side of the heart shape you have created (through both sides)
  • Put the ends of one pipe cleaner through the holes on each side of the heart shape. Fold the ends up to secure the pipe cleaners.
  • Put cards, candies, and activities inside your bag!

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