Pass the Potato (St Patrick’s Day Song
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St Patrick’s Day is a fun day to celebrate with children, and a great way to learn about Ireland! To make the most of this simple passing game, do the following:

Assemble items in the song, and place them in a green box or bag (see prop ideas below). Show the children a map of the world, and point out Ireland. As you take each item out of the bag or box, give a short explanation of its relevance to St Patrick’s Day. Following are simple things you can say, along with a link to a website with more information if you would like to learn more!

 Potato:  Potatoes have been a popular food in Ireland because they are easy to grow. Then you just have to dig  them up and boil them in water. They take no special cooking equipment or skill. Even children could make them!
(Ask children for their favorite kinds of potatoes, from French fries to mashed).
Potatoes in Ireland in the 1700s - DIVERSITY 
http://web.ukonline.co.uk/suttonelms/pot11.html


Shamrock:  Shamrocks mean good luck in Ireland, and so does the number 3. “Everything good comes in threes”
Mrs. O'Leary's Shamrock Facts 
http://www.mrsolearys.net/leprechaun.html


Snake: Stories say that St Patrick drove the snakes out of Ireland, and that’s why there aren’t any snakes there today.
Why Ireland Has No Snakes - National Zoo| FONZ  http://nationalzoo.si.edu/Animals/ReptilesAmphibians/NewsEvents/irelandsnakes.cfm

Rainbow: At the end of the rainbow is a pot of gold!
Rainbow Theme Crafts for Kids - Enchanted Learning Software
http://www.enchantedlearning.com/crafts/rainbow/


Leprechaun: Leprechauns are fairies in Ireland. Legend says that if you catch and hold onto a
leprechaun, he has to show you his pot of gold!
St. Patrick's Day Crafts for Kids - Enchanted Learning Software
http://www.enchantedlearning.com/crafts/stpatrick/

 

Many more songs and music activities are available at www.nancymusic.com