St. Patrick’s Day has certainly been hijacked by leprechauns, luck, and lager. It takes some digging to find appropriate resources telling the true history of the missionary once named Maewyn Succat and the reason he is remembered.
We are not worshipful of saints. We certainly don’t pray to them. But it is, I believe, important to teach the many true stories of people who boldly shared their faith despite all opposition. It can strengthen our own resolve; emboldening us to participate in the Great Commission wherever we have been called to do so. Additionally, teaching history of the church not only grants us context to current events and our own struggles; it guides us in explaining and defending the truth in a world quite bent on distorting and cheapening it.
Below you will find short videos, craft ideas, scripture references, book/audiobook titles, a playlist and more. All can be used to teach and celebrate the true story behind St. Patrick’s Day.
I hope you will enjoy immersing yourselves in the history and significance of the day. And may you dance a little jig while you’re at it, lasses and lads.
YouTube Kids Video Resources (each is under 10 minutes):
Best for ages 8-12.
Craft Ideas:
St. Patrick is known for using the three leaf clover (shamrock) to explain the Trinity. So I have included links to three different shamrock themed crafts here. I would certainly take craft time as an opportunity to explain the Trinity. But I have also included ideas below each link that offer further learning opportunities.
For older elementary and middle school kids, connect this craft to explain being the “salt of the earth” (Matthew 5:13). Then turn this activity into a science lesson by explaining the hygroscopic nature of salt and it’s connection to food preservation.
Middle and high school students could research the Irish salt industry. And could even try their hand at a food preservation project!
Below is an interesting essay for high school students (and parents!) who wish to “deep dive” further on what “being salt” means for disciples of Christ (and then connect the dots back to St. Patrick!):
What Does It Really Mean to Be the Salt of the Earth?
You could discuss reflecting God and being “the light of the world”(Matthew 5:14-16). And of course, then connect that to the ministry of St. Patrick and our own calling!
For elementary kids, you could connect this craft to a science lesson about the properties of light. Additionally, you could plant a shamrock and discuss photosynthesis.
For the preschooler in your life:
Footprint Shamrocks are so simple, requiring nothing but green paint and thick paper. And they could be connected to being the “beautiful feet that bring the good news” (Isaiah 52:7 + Romans 10:15)
And this printable bundle by Arrows & Applesauce includes a Trinity shamrock coloring sheet!
Memory Verses:
“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” Matthew 28:19-20 (connect this verse to teaching the Trinity and the Great Commission)
“But to you who are listening I say: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you.” Luke 6:27 (St. Patrick ministered to the very country in which he had been enslaved)
Books/Audiobooks:
Gather ‘Round Homeschool St. Patrick’s Day mini unit ; available in both digital or hard copy. Includes a teacher’s guide and lap books for children (two levels available). This mini unit is designed to be completed over three days. It teaches the real history and symbolism behind St. Patrick’s Day.
Patrick: God’s Courageous Captive ; a children’s book, published by Voice of the Martyrs. Available in print, digital format and audio through multiple storefronts and apps.
St. Patrick of Ireland: A Biography ; written by Philip Freeman. For high school students/adults. Widely available, in both print, digital format and audio through multiple storefronts and apps.
The Confession of St. Patrick ; written by St. Patrick himself, translated from Latin with notes by Rev. Thomas Olden. For high school students/adults. Widely available in print and digital format through multiple storefronts and apps.
The Sinner Saint: A Novella of St. Patrick ; written by Jamie Arpin-Ricci. Available in digital and print. For high school students/adults. The same author wrote a book titled, Vulnerable Faith: Missional Living in the Radical Way of St. Patrick which connects the history of St. Patrick to the 12 Steps model.
Music:
The playlist is designed to be instrumental enough to serve as background music (on lower volume) during learning time; while also being upbeat and celebratory enough to liven up a party. After all, we aren’t mourning St. Patrick… We are celebrating his impact and legacy!
If you would like to learn more about traditional Irish music types and terminology this is a good place to start:
“Be Thou My Vision” (“Rop Tú Mo Baile) is one of the world’s most well known hymns. It is of Irish origin; written in Middle Irish and later translated. Further research of the history and melodic style of this hymn would make an excellent lesson for middle/high school students (and parents!). Here is the hymn in it’s original tongue:
It’s English translation continues to be sung in churches around the world and has been performed by many artists over the decades. Here is one rendition:
Here is a copy of the sheet music.
Incorporating traditional Irish food is a delicious, culturally immersive addition to a St. Patrick’s Day celebration. Below are a few Irish-inspired suggestions to get you started. Further research into the food traditions of Ireland would be an interesting subject for older kids and even preschoolers can help in the kitchen!
The whiskey caramel bread pudding recipe that I’ve used for years.
I hope this helps you incorporate fun and learning into your St. Patrick’s Day! If there is anything you would like to see added to this guide in the future, leave a comment below.
“May the road rise up to meet you. May the wind be always at your back. May the sun shine warm upon your face, the rains fall soft upon your fields and until we meet again may God hold you in the palm of his hand.”
Emmy Goulet 
You must be logged in to post a comment.