A Lesson Plan on Ireland for Kindergarten

A Lesson Plan on Ireland for Kindergarten
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Discuss the Facts

This lesson plan refers to the island of Ireland as a whole. Ireland is divided into the Republic of Ireland in the south, and Northern Ireland as part of the U.K.

  • Ireland is nicknamed “Emerald Isle” because of its beautiful green valleys and rolling hills.
  • St. Patrick’s Day originated in Ireland to honor the patron Saint Patrick.
  • Halloween is thought to have originated in Ireland, and is now celebrated in the U.S. and many other countries.
  • Ireland is famous for growing potatoes.
  • The capital of Ireland is Dublin.
  • Find the Republic of Ireland on the map.

The Legends of Ireland

On St. Patrick’s Day, even though it is a day to honor Saint Patrick, we tend to put an emphasis on little green men called leprechauns and green clovers.

Clovers: also called shamrocks, are a green leafed foliage that is said to have been used by Saint Patrick in reference to the Holy Trinity. In generations that have past, the shamrock has become a symbol of good luck in many different cultures.

Leprechaun: is a fictional character said to be no taller than two feet. According to their mythical legend, leprechauns are grumpy shoemakers who spend their time searching for “pots of gold”.

Make Shamrocks

Glitter Shamrocks

You will need:

  • Reproducible picture of a shamrock
  • Green construction paper
  • Liquid glue
  • Gold glitter

Prior to class, copy shamrock onto green construction paper-one for each child.

During art time, provide each child with a shamrock paper.

Instruct them to outline the picture with liquid glue, then cover the glue with gold glitter.

Allow the glitter to dry, then instruct the children to cut them out.

Activity

Two popular sports played in Ireland are hurling and soccer as well as rugby.

If possible, allow children the opportunity to participate in hurling or soccer. Rubgy might be a little rough for your class! Both are appropriate for outdoor play only.

Celebrate Irish Music

Ireland is known for its peaceful and harmonic sounds of Celtic music.

Allow children to listen to Celtic music and dance the famous Irish jig.

Show class a small portion of the production of Lord of the Dance.

Irish Vocabulary

Instruct the children to write a short story about leprechauns, shamrocks and Irish potatoes.

References

  • Teacher experience.