St. Patrick's Day Lesson Plan

It is possible to bring the spirit of St. Patrick to your classroom without offending anyone's religious or cultural beliefs. St. Patrick is a historical figure, who has an interesting life and history. Additionally, the St. Patrick's buzz is the perfect opportunity to launch into a history of Ireland. Cultural and anthropological studies allow for the exploration of the St. Patrick's day traditions. Add variety to your reading program by bringing in Irish stories and folklore during the days and weeks leading up to St. Patrick's day. The adaptation of the holiday in the United States is a sociological and cultural study in itself. Using valid curriculum connections, the art and music of the Celts may be introduced into the classroom.

There are so many possibilities, the choices are limited only by your time, creativity, subject area, and grade. Explore the ideas below, and enjoy the celebration of St. Patrick's Day with your students.

History connections: The History of St. Patrick.

St. Patrick's Day celebrations come and go with with a flurry of activity, often overlooking the patron Saint of Ireland to whom the day pays tribute. Patrick was born in Kirkland, Scotland, in the year 387. His parents, Calphurnius and Conchessa. According to the Catholic Encyclopedia, his mother was a relative of St. Martin of Tours, patron saint of Gaul. Calphurnius was a Roman officer in Gaul.

At the age of sixteen, St. Patrick was captured by Irish invaders and carried to Ireland. He was sold to a tribe chieftain named Milchu, in Dalriada. He served as Milchu's slave for six years, tending his master's flocks in the valley of Braid. It was during his captivity, while tending the flocks, that he spent hours in prayer. He also mastered the Celtic language. While serving Milchu, he also learned of the Druid religion in which Milchu was a high priest.