Legend of the Leprechaun

Shamrocks

My husband’s family on his father’s side comes from Ireland.  So naturally, Read-Aloud, Read-Along Rhymes:  Celebrating Holidays and Seasons had to include a poem for St. Patrick’s Day. 

My Lucky Leprechaun

I dreamed I heard a leprechaun
Just before I woke
The morning of Saint Patrick’s Day
And this is what he spoke:

“I’m from the hills of Ireland,
A magic land of green
Where shamrocks grow on river banks
And rainbows can be seen.

‘Tis said at every rainbow’s end
There lies a pot of gold,
But it’s always in the distance,
Something you can never hold.

“Unless you know a leprechaun!
And then, he’ll let you keep
The pot of gold to dream with
Every time you fall asleep.

“So on this fair Saint Patrick’s Day
Remember, and take heart.
For now you know a leprechaun
And your good luck will start!”

I woke and sat up straight in bed.
And through my windowpane
I saw a shining rainbow through
A sparkling morning rain.

Far out in the distance
I could see the rainbow’s end.
And I’ve never lost that golden dream
Or the leprechaun, my friend!

Rainbow end from my window

 

 

 

 

 

oOo

Building a Leprechaun Trap

The poem above is the closest I have ever come to catching a leprechaun.  Which is just as well, because, just like rainbows and dreams, a leprechaun would be very hard to keep. 

Leprechaun Trap from MollyMoo.ieHave you ever built a leprechaun trap?  I hear that even though a leprechaun almost always gets away, they love to leave you messages, and sometimes let you know they’ve escaped by teasing you with “golden” chocolate coins.

So I figured, I would need the help of an EXPERT.   And who would know more about leprechauns than MollyMoo, an award-winning IRISH blog? 

And check out the other great ideas for St. Patrick’s Day Crafts for kids.

Keep the Story Alive

Kids can keep a record, in writing or pictures, of making, setting up and checking your trap.  Note the exact time you find any evidence that a leprechaun has been in the area.  On St. Patrick’s Day, write up the story of what happened, and share it with the family for Read-Aloud Time!Girl writing

oOo

 

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Family Fun with Kites and Pinwheels

It's time for one of my favorite poems from Year-Round Read-Aloud, Read-Along Rhymes: Celebrating Holidays and Seasons. I love it because it combines memories of my own childhood, and days spent with our own children when they were young.  Kites have been flying for centuries, and who knows how many fathers and mothers have passed on the fun to their kids?

A Colorful Kite in the March sky

 

 FLYING KITES

One bright and windy Saturday, my Daddy said, “You know,
“I used to really like it when a wind like this would blow.”
He smiled and said, “Come with me. We’re going to the store.”
I ran and put my jacket on and we were out the door!

Daddy knew exactly what he wanted and he got
Two kits of paper, sticks and string. And that was all we bought.
We hurried home and laid them out on our big kitchen floor,
And we made us each a fancy kite! And took them out the door.

The wind was tugging playfully – my kite was hard to hold.
And Daddy joked, “Hold on there, kites, and do what you are told!
“We’re going to an open park where there won’t be any trees
“And then you can play with the wind as roughly as you please.”

At the park, my Daddy laughed, “I’m not the only one
“Who thought of flying kites today!” And every one had fun.
The kites flew high and higher as we I let out all our string.
A dozen kites were dancing and it made me want to sing.

As we reeled the string back in we felt the wind’s strong tug.
And afterwards I thanked my Dad and he gave me a hug.
I always will remember that bright and windy day
When Daddy took me flying kites and all we did was play!

oOo

A Do-it-Yourself Kite Project

DIY Kite made from household materialsWhen I was a girl, homemade kites were made with paper, tape, sticks and string.  And there was a lot of taping, because there was a lot of tearing, especially in the strong March wind of Central Oregon!

Modern families can use stronger plastic garbage bags for a light, strong starting point. 

Try these directions from "Train Up a Child" for making a do-it-yourself kite!

 

 

 

PinwheelStars440 from auntannie dot com slash friday fun slash pinwheelMore Fun with the March Wind

Who knows how long children have been making pinwheels? 

If you don’t have an open space to fly a kite, or if you would like a wind-powered toy for littler children to enjoy while the older ones are flying kites, make some pinwheels!

They are fast and easy, and you can make them with things you probably already have at home.

So while Winter and Spring are fighting over who will rule the weather, take advantage of the clash!  Enjoy making and playing with these classic wind toys.

oOo

 

 

 

 

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