St. Patrick's Day 2013

Next week (on Thursday March 14th) we will celebrate St. Patrick's Day! There will be dancing, arts and crafts, games, singing, etc. Make sure you wear GREEN.

This is an Irish holiday, but it is also very popular in the United States. In order to celebrate it properly we need to know some basic information about St. Patrick and Ireland. Read this website, so you can learn important facts about Ireland. Did anything surprise you?

Ireland is a beautiful country. It is an island near England. They speak English and Gaelic. If you watch this video and listen to the beautiful, traditional music you'll get a "tour" of the country. Popular Irish sports are Gaelic football and hurling. Would you like to learn how to play one of these games?

Do you like to dance (or to watch dancing)? Irish dancing is very special and unique.This is Irish dancing with modern costumes.

Another teacher's assistant made this video that gives you the most important information about St. Patrick and why he is important. Want to make sure you understood everything? Check out a second video. What new information did you learn?

We are learning the song Molly Mallone. (Above is a statue of her!) Here's a famous Irish band singing the song. And, to practice, watch this version with lyrics. We are also going to make and wear leprechaun hats. Click here to learn more about these magical creatures. And, if you want, here's a game.

 I'll leave you with this traditional Irish blessing:
"May your thoughts be as glad as shamrocks,
May your heart be as light as song,
May each day bring you bright, happy hours,
That stay with you all the year long."

In America, we celebrate St. Patrick's Day with big parades just like they do in Dublin. Here is a video that shows part of the 5-hours-long parade in New York City. What do you think? In Chicago the city dyes the river green.

Why are you excited about St. Patrick's Day? Write about it in the comments!