Learning About Saint Patrick
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We've always enjoyed celebrations of St. Patrick's Day as a family. When my children were very young, a sweet neighbor invited us over for a festive St Patty's Day celebration complete with the best of green food and Guinness, and we were hooked on the whimsy of the day.
As our family has gone through a rotation of history studies through the years, we have come to see what a big impact Saint Patrick had on the world. Some might even say that he helped save civilization.
One of our favorite books to introduce young children to St. Patrick is a classic by Tomie de Paola. His lighthearted illustrations gently introduce children to a man who we can learn much from today. The trajectory of his life, first a long period of contemplation, followed by a period of study, which preceded a life of great impact, can give us and our children clues to living a meaningful and visionary life.
Even a reading of his prayer is instructive, living in a dangerous time, he invoked a prayer of protection over every aspect of his life, a prayer which still speaks to us today.
Christ with me, Christ before me, Christ behind me,
Christ in me, Christ beneath me, Christ above me,
Christ on my right, Christ on my left,
Christ when I lie down, Christ when I sit down,
Christ in the heart of everyone who thinks of me,
Christ in the mouth of everyone who speaks of me,
We still make a nitrate free version of corned beef and cabbage, gather shamrock bouquets, and celebrate Ireland, but our celebrations now are deeper, knowing that Saint Patrick faced death ad danger to bring hope to Ireland.
Favorite Saint Patrick's Day Resource
The Precious People Saints Guide This four week guide will introduce your children to St. Patrick, St. Augustine, St. Francis, and St. Elizabeth of Hungary. The guide will lead you through daily readings designed to introduce your child to ancient history through the early middle ages, as well as jumping into studies of non-western cultures through engaging literature and projects.The study includes copy work, art, recipes, projects, suggested books, and science and history activities. Your purchase of the guide also includes a coupon for $12 off The Precious People bundle, which this is excerpted from.
The Peaceful Press Saints Cards Biographical sketches of the lives of 30 saints accompanied by beautiful art prints. Print, cut and laminate for a morning time resource, art memo game, or prompt for written work about saints.
Patrick:Patron Saint of Ireland by Tomie De Paola A fabulous children's version of his story.
Do you want to fill your home with meaningful learning centered around books? Check out The Peaceful Preschool and The Playful Pioneers. These project and literature based parent guides provide a school year full of delightful experiences and deeper exploration into books.