Back when I was a teacher, a mysterious, mischevious leprechaun would come and visit our classroom on St. Patricks day, leave a trail of messes, and a treat at the end for the whole class (like Leprechaun Milkshakes, or a pot of golden candy.) It was always so much fun for the kids to investigate what had happened; to build a “Leprechaun trap” to see if they could catch him. I’m thinking a Leprechaun may just pay a visit to our house this year! Here are some ideas from other moms about how to plan and execute a “Leprechaun visit.”
A few days before, discuss St. Patrick’s Day with the children. Share stories and pictures of leprechauns.
Explain that leprechauns are wee people from Ireland. They like to do tricks and mischief in homes and classrooms. Tell them that the magical leprechauns are able to find gold at the end of rainbows and sometimes they share their gold.
The Night Before St. Patrick’s Day
Make Leprechaun Mischief in your Home Use any or all of the following ideas:
· Sprinkle glitter about the room
· Place the piece of green velvet fabric in a spot where the leprechaun could have caught his clothing. (in a window, in a door, etc.)
· Make leprechaun shoe prints along the chalkboard, on desktops, across student’s homework, etc. (shoeprint stamp & washable ink)
· Make some shamrock cut-outs and place them around the room
· Turn things upside down and topsy-turvy: chairs, toys, books
· Switch everyday items (hang up shoes in the closet & place coats on the floor)
· Unravel the toilet paper
· Turn the toilet water green w/ food coloring
· Sprinkle Lucky Charms cereal in a few spots
· Leave normally-closed things, open (windows, doors, cabinets, drawers, etc)
· Place the leprechaun hat in a non-obvious, hidden place for the children to discover.
· There’s no limit to the number of mischievous things that you can do. BE SILLY! At each place of mischief, place a green shamrock coins for the children to collect.
· Write the following on a piece of paper:
Good Morning, (your children’s names at home)
I had a great time dancing and playing in your home last night! I’m sorry if I have made a mess of things. I seem to have misplaced my hat. Will you please find it and keep it for me? I’ll be back later to get it.
Your Friend – Lucky the Leprechaun
On St. Patrick’s Day morning
Upon the children’s awakening at home mention that some mysterious things have happened and let the children search out all of the mischief.
When the green hat is finally discovered, exclaim, “The Silly Leprechaun forgot his hat!” Remind the children that he will return to get his hat, as he mentioned in his note. Have the children pick a special spot in the room for Lucky’s hat.
Have the children clean up the leprechaun’s mischief. (The excitement will no doubt turn to a little grumbling about “messy Lucky” at this point.
· A fun writing assignment would be to have the children write letters to Lucky, and leave them with the hat.
Later on St. Patrick’s Day – afternoon
Remove the hat and the letters that the children left for Lucky – hide them away!
· In the now-empty spot, place the small black kettle that you have filled with the gold chocolate coins.
· Leave a trail of glitter behind…
· Also leave the following note for the children:
Dear Boys & Girls:
Thank you for finding my hat!
For helping me, I am sharing some of my gold with you.
See you next year!
Your friend – Lucky
Have fun and Happy St. Patrick’s Day!
Pineapple Casserole- Paula Deen
Chocolate Playdough
Picture Rail from Martha
Make a Magnetic Wall from Raising Olives
Hang artwork from curtain rings (link to where to buy them at Ikea)
Art frames that make it easy to change out the art inside.
Leaf Man by Lois Ehlert
Food Inc.- available through netflix, amazon, or blockbuster. “You’ll never look at your dinner the same.” Visit Food Inc’s website to watch the trailer and see more info. 
