Elementary age school kids love to do craft projects. Best of all they are far more experienced with using glue, scissors and other artistic techniques then their younger counterparts. This means that if you are in charge of planning a St. Patrick’s Day craft for a school celebration or at home party, you can choose a craft that is a little more complicated. Keep in mind though, that it is still a good idea to have another pair of hands available to help, so that you don’t get overwhelmed, and the kids don’t get frustrated. Best of all the craft projects listed here don’t require expensive or hard to find materials, and can still be done successfully by the most inexperienced crafter. So the next time “celebrating the green” rolls around here are some St. Patrick’s Day crafts for elementary age kids-
Paper Shamrock-This easy to make craft can become a fun frame for a picture of the student.
What you will need:
- Construction paper or cardstock in assorted colors
- Scissors
- Glue
- Digital camera and printer for printing out pictures of the students
- Optional-
- Glitter pens
Instructions for the project: Have the students start by drawing three hearts and a stem, for their shamrock. Have the kids carefully cut out all of the pieces from the construction paper or cardstock. The next step is to carefully align the hearts at the bottom tips (the shape should be the upper part of the shamrock). Carefully glue the pieces together. The student will then glue the stem at the point where all three of the hearts are touching. Have the student then glue a piece of background paper onto the shamrock. After their picture is printed out, they can then glue it onto the background piece of paper. When this is finished the students can then decorate their shamrocks with the glitter pens, or add other St. Patrick’s Day emblems (rainbows, leprechaun hats, etc.) to their shamrock.
Mr. Potato Head Leprechaun-Even older elementary age kids will find this craft amusing. Remember that the potatoes don’t have to be large, or perfect, small and knobby potatoes can make the best leprechauns. Best of all the connection between the Irish and the potato can be used in a lesson.
What you will need:
- A potato for each student
- Glue
- Craft supplies to make faces such as: small buttons, thread or string for hair, brads, bits of fabric, eyes, pipe cleaners, stickers etc.
- Construction paper and felt to cut out clothes
- Glue
- Scissors
Instructions for the project: Simply give the kids free rein, to design and craft their potato leprechaun. Encourage them to be creative by using all of the variety of materials that are offered.
Shamrock Wreath-This clever craft is made from paper plates. Older kids will love being able to add their own artistic touches, while younger crafters will enjoy just doing the project.
What you will need:
- Paper-construction paper or cardstock in a variety of colors
- Scissors
- Glue
- Crayons or markers
- A paper plate for every wreath
- Yarn or ribbon to make a hanger
- Optional:
- Glitter pens
- St. Patrick’s Day stickers or add-ons
Instructions for the project: Begin by having the student cut out a circle from the middle of the paper plate. This will serve as the base of the wreath. The next step is to have the student cut out enough shamrocks to cover the base. They will then glue them on. Keep in mind they can intermix other St. Patrick Day symbols such as pots of gold, leprechaun hats, or rainbows. After all the pieces have been glued on have the students color on the wreath using regular crayons, markers or glitter pens. You can then punch a hole in the top and tie a piece of yarn or ribbon for a hanger.