March 11, 2020: Toddler Storytime: St. Patrick's Day

(Reminder note: When it is time to read a story, I read the titles of three books and then display them. The children pick which one we read. The ones listed below are the ones they picked. Additional recommended titles for St. Patrick's Day for two to three year olds are at the bottom of this post.)

Opening song:                                                               

(Tune: The Farmer in the Dell")

We tap hola like this
We tap ho la like this
Hi-ho cherry

We tap hola like this

Continue with other verses:

We drop hola like this...

We circle hola like this...

We spin hola like this...

We toss hola like this..

We roll hola like this....

We stomp hola like this...

Introduction: I explained that next Tuesday is a holiday called St. Patrick's Day. On this day little men called leprechauns often appear. People try to catch them to get their gold. I also explained that some people think wearing green on this day will bring you luck. I showed some shamrocks and a four-leaf clover.

Book: "Pete the Cat; The Great Leprechaun Chase" by James Dean

I gave each parent a copy of the words to the song that went with the theme. 

MOVEMENT AND SHAKER SONG:

“St. Patrick's Day”
(Tune: "If You're Happy, and You Know It")

If you like the color green, kick your feet
If you like the color green,
If you like the color green,
Kick your feet, then smile and say,
"Have a very happy St. Patrick's Day!"

Additional verses:
"If you like the color green, clap your hands."
"If you like the color green, spin around
"If you like the color green, shout "Hurray!""
"If you like the color green, stamp your feet."

MOVEMENT SONG: 

“I'm a Little Leprechaun”(Tune: "I'm a Little Teapot")

I'm a little leprechaun
Dressed in green,
The tiniest man
That you have ever seen.
I come around just once a year
When St. Patrick’s Day is here!

MOVEMENT CHANT: 

"This Little Leprechaun"

This little leprechaun slid down the rainbow, (Point to thumb.)
This little leprechaun stayed home. (Point to index finger.)
This little leprechaun picked a shamrock, (Point to middle finger.)
This little leprechaun found some gold. (Point to ring finger.)
This little leprechaun cried, "See if you can catch me," (Point to little finger.)
As he ran home. (Wiggle little finger.)

Dance with me around the room (The children and parents stand up and line up behind me. I use an oatmeal container as a drum.):

1, 2, 3, 1, 2, 3, kick, kick

1, 2, 3, 1, 2, 3, spin, spin

1, 2, 3, 1, 2, 3, hop, hop

1, 2, 3, 1, 2, 3, fly, fly

1, 2, 3, 1, 2, 3, walk sideways, walk sideways

1, 2, 3, 1, 2, 3, walk backwards, walk backwards

Repeat first 2 all the way back to your spot

Book: "Twas the Night Before St. Patrick's Day" by Natasha Wing

MOVEMENT CHANT:

"Leprechaun”

Leprechaun, leprechaun
Hiding in the hay. (Hide pointer finger under opposite hand.)
Leprechaun, leprechaun,
Don't you run away. (Hop pointer finger around.)
Leprechaun, leprechaun,
Let's go out and play. (Hop both pointer fingers together.)
Leprechaun, leprechaun,
It's St. Patrick's Day! (Dance pointer fingers up and down.)

Goodbye Song:
(Tune: "The Farmer in the Dell")

We tap adios like this

We tap adios like this

Hi-ho cherry

We tap adios like this

Continue with other verses:

We drop adios like this...

We circle adios like this...

We spin adios like this...

We toss adios like this...

We roll adios like this...

We stomp adios like this...

Craft Time: Puffy Paint Shamrock Craft
Source of idea: https://www.craftymorning.com/puffy-paint-shamrock-craft-kids/

Materials:
1. White cardstock
2. Shaving cream
3. White liquid glue
4. Brushes
5. Bowls
6. Shamrock template

7. Four leaf clover template

8. Green food coloring

My example

*All photos are with parental permission.

I always let the children pick which three books I read from the ones I bring with me. These are some additional suggested books that the children didn't pick:

1. "The Story of the Leprechaun" by Katherine Tegen
2. "Lucky Ducky" by Doreen Mulryan
3. "Good Luck Bear" by Greg Fp;ey
4. "Lucky Tucker" by Leslie McGuirk
5. "Hooray for St. Patrick's Day" by Joan Holub