by Lisa Putnam

Created on: December 08, 2009

St. Patrick's Day celebrates the life of St. Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland who is credited for converting the pagan people, symbolized by snakes, to Christianity. His is purported to teach the new Christians about the Trinity using the three leafed clover otherwise known as the shamrock. The trinity is the Christian doctrine that the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost (or Spirit) exists as one God. The following crafts not only teach about Irish culture and symbols, but also improve fine motor and thinking skills.

The shamrock may be the most widely recognized symbol of Ireland. It is even a registered trademark of the Government of Ireland and is used on sport teams, state organizations, and military personnel!

The following craft is perfect for teaching children about how mixing colors creates different colors.

Coffee Filter Shamrock

Materials:

Coffee Filter, one per child

Yellow Food Coloring

Green Food Coloring

Eye Dropper, one per child

Scissors

Tray or Pan, one per child

Preparation:

Cut shamrock shapes out of the coffee filters.

Mix about 2 tbsp of water with about 5 drops of food coloring.

Instructions:

Give each child a shamrock coffee filter on a tray or pan.

Pass out eye droppers.

Tell children to use an eye dropper to drop yellow and blue food coloring on the shamrock.

The colors will mix to create green.

Allow to dry.

Tissue Paper Shamrock

Materials:

Green Construction Paper

Black Marker

Green Tissue Paper, town into pieces

Glue Sticks

Scissors

Preparation:

Draw a shamrock shape on the green paper.

Cut the shape out (optional).

Instructions:

Tell the children to cut out their shamrocks (optional).

Have the children cover their shamrocks with glue.

Tell the children to press the bits of tissue paper onto their shamrock.

Allow to dry.

The following craft is great for developing fine motor skills which will be necessary for writing.

Lacing Shamrock

Materials:

Green Shamrock on thick paper such as cardstock, one per child

Hole Punch

Yellow Yarn, cut in long sections, one per child

Scissors

Preparation:

Cut shamrock shapes out of the cardstock.

Punch holes around the shamrock.

Tie one end of each piece of yarn in a large knot.

Instructions:

Tell the children to lace the yarn in and out of the holes.

Tape the end of the yarn so it is secure.

St. Patrick chased the snakes out of Ireland. Make your own with this craft that not only teaches the legend but also helps improve fine motor skills!

Paper Plate Snake

Materials:

Thin Paper Plates, one per

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