One of the fabulous things about having children is that you get to experience the magical moments of childhood with them. Celebrations throughout the year are some of my favorite times because I can dig into my creative side and do fun activities with my own children and the children I work with. Sometimes it can become stressful if I overextend myself but I remind myself that being a good parent doesn’t always require extra energy. One of the great things about being a parent is that you can incorporate what you love whether it’s baking, decorating, reading, or crafts. And when you incorporate what you love, it can be a stress-reducer because really your children just want you to spend time with them. I myself sometimes forget. So here are some easy St. Patrick’s Day activities you can do with your child.
Color
Here are a couple simple coloring pages that will work on teaching your child crayon grasp, coloring in a variety of directions, color identification, and counting.
Your child will learn best if you model activities for them. Using small crayons (or broken crayons) work the small muscles in your child’s hand and facilitate the pincer grasp. Encourage your child to color in a variety of directions (i.e. vertical, horizontal, diagonals, circular). Promote math skills by counting the petals on the four-leaf clovers.
Sensory Bags
Sensory bags are all over Pinterest and the internet. They are such fun for children and let’s be honest, we as adults love them too! I mean, seriously what’s not to love. These bags can be made inexpensively if you hit up the Dollar Store. You can make several bags with various items in them for different times of the year and themes. Promote speech and language skills by incorporating colors, counting, and object identification. They even provide stress relief for adults, unless of course they break; so, keep checking the bags for any signs of a tear.
Simply assembling these St. Patrick’s Day bags with your child are easy and fun for them.
Rainbow Bracelets
Beaded bracelets are fun and enriching. Making bracelets strengthens and coordinates fine motor skills and bilateral integration, as well as can be used to teach following directions, counting, sequencing, and color identification. They can be made in a variety of sizes, and when using a coupon or shopping sales, they may be made at a reasonable price (under $15 for supplies that make multiple bracelets).
Books and Songs
Reading is always magical for a child and develops cognition, social skills, problem solving, and speech and language skills. You will see we often post our favorite books because it is so important in childhood development.
The Itsy Bitsy Leprechaun
How to Catch a Leprechaun
I’m a Little Leprechaun Song
G-R-E-E-N
Five Little Shamrocks
Shamrock Shuffle
Paint Rocks
How much fun is it to walk through your own yard or a park and come across an uplifting work of art, especially when it is made from little creative hands? Rock painting has become a relaxing activity for all ages. Making a four-leaf clover using your child’s pointer finger promotes finger isolation and dexterity. Write a motivational word or phrase on it, coat it with a clear wax seal, and place it in your garden or along a park trail to bring joy to someone’s day.
Leprechaun Pancakes
Okay, seriously, these delicious pancakes are more of a dessert than a breakfast. But it’s fine to have dessert for breakfast occasionally and St. Patrick’s Day is the perfect occasion.
Green Shake by TNN’s Registered Dietitian Nutritionist Alison Unger
Combine 1 cup frozen mango, 1 banana, 2 cups of loosely packed spinach, 1 cup of unsweetened vanilla almond milk (or any alternative non-dairy milk), and 1 teaspoon of flaxseed in a blender. Mix until smooth.
Sweet Potato Cauliflower Shepherd’s Pie by TNN’s Pediatric & Integrative Nutrition Student Danielle Kinney
Choose an activity and have fun with your child. Happy St. Patrick’s Day!
*Always keep in mind your child’s age and that you know them best. If your child tends to mouth items or is under age 3 then you should never leave any small items around them. If the item fits inside a toilet paper roll then it is too small for a child under age 3 to play with.
Love,
Your Nurture Notetakers
