St. Patrick's Day is celebrated on March 17th as a day to honor the patron saint of Ireland, but most students think of it as a day for wearing green and making mischief! I have compiled a list of St. Patrick's Day books that are perfect for 3rd to 5th graders. These books are fun, informative, and a great way to help your students get the most out of this holiday!
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Jamie O'Rourke and the Big Potato is a story about a lazy farmer named who is too lazy to work. One day, a leprechaun gives Jamie a magic potato that grows to be the biggest potato in the world. The story is full of humor and is a great way to introduce students to Irish culture. The book is also a great way to introduce children to the idea of hard work and its value.
Teaching Idea:
After reading the book, ask your students to write a short story about a time when they (or someone else) received something special that helped them learn the value of hard work.
In this story, based on a classic Irish folktale, two harpists - merry-hearted Old Pat and ill-spirited Young Tom set off for a contest to name the finest harpist in all of Ireland. Young Tom realizes that Old Pat is the better musician, and he schemes to be the winner. He doesn't count on the clever trickery of a mischievous little leprechaun!
Teaching Idea:
Discuss the concept of folklore and mythology, including the legend of the leprechaun.
After reading the story, have your students create their own leprechauns and write a short story about a time when their leprechaun taught them a valuable lesson.
Fiona's Luck is a story about a clever girl named Fiona who outsmarts the greedy Leprechaun King and saves Ireland from the bad luck that he had brought upon the land. It is a great book for teaching students about Irish folklore and the importance of using their intelligence to solve problems.
Teaching Idea:
After reading the book, have your students write a short story about a time when they used their intelligence to solve a problem.
This book is a fun and imaginative story about a group of children who try to catch a mischievous leprechaun on St. Patrick's Day. The leprechaun is clever and elusive, but the children come up with a variety of creative traps and schemes to try and catch him.
Teaching Ideas:
Have students brainstorm their own ideas for leprechaun traps, and encourage them to think creatively and outside the box.
Have students complete this persuasive writing activity where they try to persuade a leprechaun to give them his gold.
Discuss the importance of perseverance and problem-solving when faced with a challenging task.
This book is a whimsical story about three leprechauns who set out on an adventure to bury a pot of gold at the end of a rainbow. Along the way, they encounter various obstacles and challenges, but their determination and teamwork help them overcome each one. The illustrations beautifully capture the magic of the Irish countryside.
Teaching Ideas:
Discuss the concept of teamwork and how it can help individuals achieve their goals.
Have students research and present information about the history and culture of Ireland.
Gail Gibbons is one of my go-to non-fiction writers. In this book, she tells you everything you need to know about the history and traditions of St. Patrick's Day. Your students will learn the story of Patrick's Life, legends about the saint, and an introduction to many of the customs surrounding the holiday including parades, special meals, and of course wearing green!
Teaching Ideas:
After reading the book, have your students create a timeline of important events in the life of St. Patrick.
Have students write about their own traditions and customs of their culture.
This book is a biography of St. Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland. This book is a great way to teach your students about the history of St. Patrick's Day and the life of the man who we honor on this holiday.
Teaching Ideas:
After reading the book, have your students create a timeline of important events in the life of St. Patrick.
St. Patrick's Day is a fun and exciting holiday for children. These books are a great way to teach students about the history and culture of Ireland while also celebrating the holiday.
More St. Patrick's Day Teaching Ideas
Are you looking for some more teaching ideas for St. Patrick's Day? Check out these blog posts for more!
Great read aloud ideas!
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