Lesson & Activities - What Is St. Patrick's Day?
- Learn English with NETOL
- Mar 16
- 6 min read
Updated: 5 days ago
LESSON & ACTIVITIES
CLB 3-6
CEFR A2-B1
St. Patrick's Day
Speaking Activity - Conversation Questions
Instructions:
Listen to and read the following conversation questions.
Practice your speaking by answering each question out loud.
See the answers to the conversation questions by clicking the side arrows next to each question.
Conversation Questions
1. On which day is St. Patrick's Day celebrated?
St. Patrick's Day is celebrated on March 17th.
2. In which country did St. Patrick's Day originate?
3. What colour is most commonly associated with St. Patrick's Day?
4. Which symbols are linked to St. Patrick's Day?
Writing Activity - Pre-Reading Vocabulary
Instructions:
Get a pencil and paper.
Copy the words from below.
Look up the definitions of the words online.
Get to know the definitions of each word.
Important Words - St. Patrick's Day
lively
parade
heritage
leprechaun
lucky charm
folklore
good luck
saint
legacy
evolve
Reading Activity - St. Patrick's Day
Instructions:
Read the following passage about St. Patrick's Day.
Thereafter, listen to the St. Patrick's Day audio.
Note: Reading out loud when learning a new language is important because it helps you practice your pronunciation. When you speak the words, you can hear how they sound, and this will improve your speaking skills.
What Is St. Patrick's Day?
Every year on March 17th, people in many countries celebrate St. Patrick's Day. It is not only a time to wear green and join parades, but also a chance to learn about Ireland’s history and traditions. The holiday began with St. Patrick, and today it shows joy, unity, and pride in Irish culture. In this reading, we will talk about the history, symbols, and stories that make St. Patrick’s Day special around the world.
When is St. Patrick's Day Celebrated?
St. Patrick's Day is celebrated every year on March 17. This day remembers St. Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland. People in many countries celebrate with parades and festivals. They listen to music, dance, and wear green clothes.
The Origin of St. Patrick's Day
St. Patrick’s Day originated in Ireland and has become popular in many countries around the world. In the 17th century, St. Patrick's Day was a day to honour St. Patrick for his work in converting the Irish to Christianity in the 5th century. Today, St. Patrick's Day has grown into a display of cultural pride, and this special day is celebrated in over 100 countries, including Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, New Zealand, and Australia.
The Fascinating Beginning of St. Patrick's Day
St. Patrick's Day began many years ago in Ireland as a religious holiday to honour St. Patrick, who was born in Britain and later went to live in Ireland where he taught people about love and kindness. He died on March 17, and over time, this date became an annual celebration to remember his legacy for helping many people understand the Christian faith and bringing Christianity to the Irish people.
Embracing the Spirit of St. Patrick's Day
Overall, St. Patrick’s Day is a joyful celebration that brings people together to share in Irish culture. Over time, it has become a popular event with parades, traditional music, Irish dances, and festive gatherings where many people wear green to show their appreciation. Whether you join in a parade or simply wear green, the day is a chance to enjoy Irish customs and heritage with others.
Listening Activity -St. Patrick's Day
Instructions:
Press the play button below.
Listen to the audio - St. Patrick's Day.
Use the reading from above to follow along with the audio.
The Symbols of St. Patrick's Day and Their Meanings
St. Patrick's Day is filled with symbols, each carrying its own significance. Here are a few noteworthy symbols that are associated with this holiday:
1. Shamrock
The shamrock is a small plant with three leaves and is a lucky symbol in Ireland. St. Patrick used the shamrock to explain the Holy Trinity. Today, people wear shamrocks on St. Patrick’s Day to show Irish pride and happiness.
2. Leprechaun
Leprechauns are small characters in Irish stories. They are shown as little men with red beards who wear green clothes. They are clever and hide gold coins. The legend says that finding a leprechaun’s pot of gold brings good luck.
3. The Colour Green
On St. Patrick’s Day, many people wear green. They believe that green can protect them. Some say that if you wear green, you will not be seen by leprechauns who might pinch you. Green also reminds people of Ireland’s green hills.
4. Pot of Gold
The pot of gold is a well-known part of the leprechaun story. Many people believe that at the end of a rainbow, there is a pot of gold. This legend makes people dream about finding treasure and having good luck.
5. Rainbow
There is a story in Ireland about a rainbow. The story says there is a pot of gold at the end of a rainbow. This idea makes people think about luck and magic. That is why rainbows are connected with St. Patrick's Day.
6. Irish Harp
The Irish harp is the national emblem of Ireland. It shows Ireland’s strong musical tradition. In the past, musicians who played the harp were very respected. Today, the harp appears on coins and logos as a sign of Irish pride.
7. Celtic Cross
The Celtic Cross is a famous symbol in Ireland. It is a cross inside a circle. The circle stands for never-ending life and a lasting bond. This symbol also reminds people of St. Patrick and his role in spreading Christianity in Ireland.
8. Four-Leaf Clover
Some people look for a four-leaf clover. Unlike the common three-leaf shamrock, the four-leaf clover is very rare and is believed to bring extra luck. Each leaf represents faith, hope, love, and luck, making it a special find.
9. Irish Flag
The flag of Ireland has three colors: green, white, and orange. Green stands for the Irish hills, white means peace, and orange represents the traditions of different groups. On St. Patrick’s Day, the flag is a symbol of unity and pride.
Writing Activity - St. Patrick's Day Symbols & Descriptions
Instructions:
Get a pencil and paper.
Make a list from 1 to 9.
Read the descriptions of the symbols of St. Patrick's Day below.
Decide which description matches each symbol by writing the symbols next to each number.
Check your answers by clicking on the side arrows next to each description.
Match the St. Patrick's Day Symbols with Their Descriptions
Description 1:
After a rain, this colourful arc appears in the sky and is often linked to luck. Which St. Patrick's Day symbol does this describe?
A rainbow.
Description 2:
This is the colour of fresh grass and leaves on trees. It reminds us of nature and people wear this colour on St. Patrick's Day. Which St. Patrick's Day symbol does this describe?
Description 3:
This is a shiny treasure that is said to be found at the end of a rainbow. It is full of golden coins. Which St. Patrick's Day symbol does this describe?
Description 4:
This flag has three vertical stripes that are green, white, and orange. Which St. Patrick's Day symbol does this describe?
Description 5:
This little man is from an Irish folklore. This magical man loves tricks and he is known for hiding treasures. Which St. Patrick's Day symbol does this describe?
Description 6:
This is a musical instrument that is often played in Irish music and has a beautiful sound. Which St. Patrick's Day symbol does this describe?
Description 7:
This is a rare plant with an extra leaf that is thought to bring extra good luck. Which St. Patrick's Day symbol does this describe?
Description 8:
This is a three-leaf plant that is a traditional symbol of Ireland. Which St. Patrick's Day symbol does this describe?
Description 9:
This is a traditional Irish design that combines a cross with a circle. Which St. Patrick's Day symbol does this describe?
Poll Activity
Instructions:
Read the poll question.
Read all the possible answers. Click on the See All Options button to see all of the answer choices.
Select ONE answer by clicking on it.
Take The Poll - St. Patrick's Day Symbols
Which St. Patrick's Day Symbol Is Your Favourite?
shamrock
leprechaun
pot of gold
rainbow
Test Your Knowledge By Taking Our Quiz
Instructions:
Read the 10 multiple-choice questions from below.
Answer each question.
Click the Submit button when you are done.
Click the View Score button to see how you did on the quiz.
Reading without the accompanying activities
Access this reading without the accompanying activities by clicking on this link: St. Patrick's Day Edublog
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