We tried SO hard to catch that leprechaun. It took three days to make a trap. First we painted a box green, then we made rainbow ladders out of popsicle sticks and tunnels out of toilet paper tubes. Finally, we made big rainbows with paper plates and daub markers.
The trap was set!
But… that leprechaun had other ideas. He spilled green everywhere, left green balloons and rainbow streamers, and gold coins. He hung Elephant & Piggie from the ceiling!
Apparently Gloria had a grand time playing with the leprechaun. She took apart the new stuffed chair and did gymnastics. What a party in the classroom last night!
I hope you enjoy Saint Patrick’s Day as much as Gloria did.
I have been teaching preschool for over forty years. This is my passion. I believe that children have a voice, and that is the catalyst to enhance or even change the learning experience. Emergent curriculum opens young minds. It's the little things that happen in the classroom that are most important and exciting. That's what I write about.
I was a live guest on the Kelly Clarkson Show. I am highlighted in the seventh edition of Jim Trelease's million-copy bestselling book, "The Read-Aloud Handbook" because of my reading to children. My class has designed quilts that hang as permanent displays at the National Liberty Museum in Philadelphia, the Fisher House at the Boston VA Hospital, and the Massachusetts State House in Boston.
Oh, yes. Lucky the leprechaun came again when we were on a scavenger hunt for gold coins with alphabet letters. The room was, well, far more disheveled than the first time. Only Gloria smiled. Hmmm…
The fun and party that happened overshadowed any disappointment at not catching the leprechaun. It was delightful! Lucky the leprechaun even peed green in the toilet! 😀
I have never celebrated SPD, as I have zero Irish connections. But living in London for 60 years, I could never escape the Irish community. Well done with Gloria, Jennie.
Best wishes, Pete.
I never celebrated until moving outside of Boston- as Irish as it gets. Gloria smiled all day. The kids couldn’t have been more excited. Best to you, Pete.
I hope the children remember all of this. I certainly would. This made me happy just reading it. If Gloria couldn’t catch the Leprechaun, no one can. Happy St. Patrick’s day, Jennie.
LOL! It sure looks like they had a great time. Maybe next year the children will catch him!! Hopefully, Gloria got to sleep in a bit the morning after. 💚💚💚💚💚🤣
So much fun! And memorable for everyone in your classroom – and now, even for us, your readers. My daughter used to do this for her 3 kids (until they turned 10 and older, then not enough belief in the leprechaun). 😦 But my daughter went one step further when she built the trap with her kids, and they saw the mischief the next day – green water in the toilet. I had to laugh at that….
A Teacher's Reflections 
A grand time indeed!
Yes! 😀
Epic party! (I particularly love the little green footprints.)
Oh, yes. Lucky the leprechaun came again when we were on a scavenger hunt for gold coins with alphabet letters. The room was, well, far more disheveled than the first time. Only Gloria smiled. Hmmm…
I think if you asked Elephant & Piggie if they had a good time at that party, they’d probably say yes as well!
They were happy as clams. Gloria never stopped smiling. 😀
Delightful. I’m laughing out loud. Happy St. Patrick’s Day
Thanks, Ally. It was wild and crazy. Happy St. Patrick’s Day to you.
Such fun…Happy St. Patricks day boys and girls (and) teacher x
Thanks, Carol. It was great fun!
So much fun ☘️☘️☘️
Yes, indeed!
Great way to celebrate the day.
Thank you, Don. This is one the kids will remember!
Love this 💜💜
🌈 ☘️ 😀
What wonderful whimsical fun, Jennie! Happy St. Patrick’s Day. Hugs.
It was so much fun, Teagan! Thanks, and Happy St. Patrick’s Day to you!
What a fun project, trying to catch a leprechaun! I bet the children were delighted when they saw there had been a party during the night.
The fun and party that happened overshadowed any disappointment at not catching the leprechaun. It was delightful! Lucky the leprechaun even peed green in the toilet! 😀
😁
I have never celebrated SPD, as I have zero Irish connections. But living in London for 60 years, I could never escape the Irish community. Well done with Gloria, Jennie.
Best wishes, Pete.
I never celebrated until moving outside of Boston- as Irish as it gets. Gloria smiled all day. The kids couldn’t have been more excited. Best to you, Pete.
Such fun!!
The best!
Thanks, GP! Happy St. Patrick’s Day.
☘🍀
Happy St. Patrick’s Day, Jennie. I think Gloria could use a nap after last night. ☘️
Thanks, John. Gloria smiled all day. No nap. I hope she sleeps tonight. ☘️
I hope so too. She has the weekend to recover. 😁
Yes, she does! 😀
😁
I love that Gloria is a part of all the fun, too!☘️
She had the best day, and never stopped smiling. 😀
I hope the children remember all of this. I certainly would. This made me happy just reading it. If Gloria couldn’t catch the Leprechaun, no one can. Happy St. Patrick’s day, Jennie.
I remember my kids loving this is kindergarden. Happy St. Paddy’s Day Jennie.
I hope these children remember today the way you did. Thanks, Cindy!
So fun!
I’m sure the kids reactions were priceless. Great day and lots of fun for all, except maybe you cleaning up, Jennie.
Oh, the clean-up…well worth all the fun.
I have always wondered what happens after lights out…
Me, too. Well, Gloria knows.
Gloria knows everything.
I think she does!
Too bad you didn’t catch the Leprechaun. But what fun trying! And a bit of St. Paddy’s mischief afoot! Sounds like great fun, Jennie.
It certainly was great fun! Thanks, Diana.
LOL! It sure looks like they had a great time. Maybe next year the children will catch him!! Hopefully, Gloria got to sleep in a bit the morning after. 💚💚💚💚💚🤣
They had a blast! Gloria smiled all day. I’m glad she had the weekend to rest. 😀
😍
Jennie a nice and lovely post. So nice to see children painting what they like.
Thanks so much! Yes, when children are painting what they like, it makes such a big difference.
Yes I completely agree with you. Most welcome.
So much fun! And memorable for everyone in your classroom – and now, even for us, your readers. My daughter used to do this for her 3 kids (until they turned 10 and older, then not enough belief in the leprechaun). 😦 But my daughter went one step further when she built the trap with her kids, and they saw the mischief the next day – green water in the toilet. I had to laugh at that….
Yes, so much fun! I love the green water in the toilet. 😅 Her kids will always remember those days. 💕
It sounds as if he was very naughty! I hope Gloria didn’t join in hanging poor piggie and elephant from the ceiling!
He was, and Gloria was far more interested in taking apart the chair and doing gymnastics!
She can be naughty!! I bet the kids love her!
Yes, and yes!!