1. Create Shamrocks
Teach students how to create a shamrock using a sheet of paper, a cup, a pencil, and a pair of scissors.
Have the students place their paper landscape style, then fold it in half.
Then, have the students place half of the cup onto the center of the folded edge.
Next, have students create an almost half heart at the top of the circle. (The bottom of the half heart should NOT meet back at the crease of the paper, but to the top of the circle.)
Then, have the students make an almost heart on the right side of the circle. (The bottom of the heart should again NOT meet back at the bottom, but to the side of the circle.)
The last drawing part is the stem of the clover.
Lastly, have the students cut the edge of the shamrock.
Now, it's time to get creative. You can use these shamrocks for a variety of things.
Shamrock Related Activities
1. Write the main idea in the middle of the shamrock and write three key details on each of the leaves.
2. Write a character's name in the middle. Write 3 character traits that describe that character and explain when they showed that trait.
3. Write the title of a book in the middle. Write 3 themes displayed in that book and explain why.
4. Write a noun in the middle. Include three adjectives from different categories that can be used to describe it. (N.O.S.A.S.C.O.M.) Students should make sure to apply the rules of order of adjectives writing the adjective that should go first on the left leaf, the second adjective on the middle and the last on the right.
5. Write the title Frequently Confused Words in the middle. Have students write one word on each leaf and include when to use it and/or an example. Examples are: to, too, two / where, were, we're / there, their, they're
6. Create "Dead Words" shamrocks. Have students write words that are frequently used in writing but that have better alternatives in the middle. Have them write alternate words on the leaves.
7. Write a word that has a prefix, root, and suffix in the middle. Then have students write the prefix on the left leaf, the root word on the middle top leaf, and the suffix on the right leaf.
8. Introduce root words to students. Assign each student a root word and have them come up with three different words that include those roots in them. Then, have them add the meaning.
You can find this resource that includes a list of root words, templates, and ideas on how to display them at Your Thrifty Co-Teacher store on Teachers Pay Teachers.
3. Write a Limerick
St. Patrick's Day is all about fun which makes reading, teaching, and writing limericks ideal for this day.
You can start off by sharing some fun limerick picture books with your students. They will DEFINITELY get a kick out of it. If you don't have a book available, you can find some limericks online to share as well.
Next, share the criteria a limerick should contain and have the students brainstorm, draft, and publish a limerick.
You can grab this FREE resource to share with your students.
3. Create a Figurative Language Rainbow
Whether you are introducing different types of figurative language or reviewing them, this next activity will be an engaging way to practice creating sentences using figurative language.
Review five or six different types of figurative language. You can choose from the following:
- simile
- metaphor
- idiom
- hyperbole
- personification
- onomatopoeia
- alliteration
Give students different color strips. Assign each color a type of figurative language. Have students write a sentence on each strip using the figurative language assigned to the strip.
Have students connect the links together. If you'd like, you can also add a cloud and a pot of gold at the end.
These will make a beautiful bulletin board or classroom display.
4. St. Patrick's Day Vocabulary
Break away from your regular vocabulary wordlist and introduce your students to words focused on Patrick's Day.
Teach students the meaning of these new words. Educate them on how to search for synonyms and antonyms using a dictionary or online resources. Then, have them create sentences and illustrations related to the words.
After having them share their sentences and illustrations with a partner, assess their understanding with a quick ten question quiz.
5. Read St. Patrick's Day Books
Upper elementary students love being read picture books to just as much as primary students.
The holidays are a perfect time to incorporate a read aloud or two, and St. Patrick's Day is no exception. If you're looking for some suggestions, I've created a list of St. Patrick's Day books that are great for upper elementary students.
As you can see, there are quite a few St. Patrick's Day activities for upper elementary students that you can incorporate in your classroom to cover ELA standards. Hopefully, you will be able to find something exciting that works for you and your students.
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