Saint Patrick’s Day

Objectives:

• Students will be able to state when Saint Patrick’s Day occurs.

• Students will understand who Saint Patrick was and what he is said to have done.

• Students will be able to name and describe symbols and traditions of Saint Patrick’s Day.

Suggested Grades:

3rd Grade - 4th Grade - 5th Grade - 6th Grade

Lesson Procedure:

Print the reading comprehension passage and questions (see below).

Students should read the passage silently, then answer the questions. Teachers may also use the text as part of a classroom lesson plan.

Lesson Excerpt:

Saint Patrick's Day is celebrated around the world in honor of one of Ireland's most famous saints. While Saint Patrick's Day is a national holiday in Ireland, it is not an official holiday in the United States. Still, many Americans as well citizens of other countries celebrate Saint Patrick's Day, which occurs each year on March 17th. You may have heard the saying everyone is Irish on Saint Patrick's Day. That's because on March 17th, many people enjoy Irish food and drink like corned beef and cabbage, Irish soda bread and Irish beer. It is also tradition for people to wear green, the color of Ireland, on Saint Patrick's Day. Sometimes food and drink is dyed green as well! The shamrock, or three-leaf clover, is a common accent or decoration around Saint Patrick's Day. The shamrock is an unofficial symbol of Ireland, and may people wear a bunch of them on Saint Patrick's Day. Another popular accessory is a carnation or other flower that has been dyed green.

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