Irish American Heritage Month Activities for Preschool and Daycare - post

Irish American Heritage Month is celebrated in March. It is a chance to learn about Irish Americans and the ways they have shaped music, stories, neighborhoods, and everyday life in the United States. In preschool and daycare, you can keep it simple, joyful, and respectful by using books, art, songs, and play.

Even if not all families celebrate Irish heritage, your classroom can focus on a message that fits everyone: We learn about many cultures, and everyone belongs. #InclusiveClassroom

What is a respectful way to celebrate Irish American Heritage Month in childcare?

A respectful plan is not about “everyone must do the same thing.” It’s about offering children positive, age-appropriate experiences.

Try these friendly guidelines:

• Keep it optional and welcoming for families

• Focus on culture (music, stories, symbols, nature), not stereotypes

• Use real pictures and real information when possible

• Connect learning to classroom skills (colors, counting, movement, kindness)

If you want a related seasonal idea that many classrooms already use, ChildCareEd also shares St. Patrick’s Day activity ideas you can adapt in a culture-friendly way: Shamrock Fun! St. Patrick’s Day Activities for Kids

What should I avoid when planning Irish-themed activities?

Some “Irish” themes can turn into stereotypes. Children learn from what we choose, so aim for respect.

Avoid:

• Making “Irish” only about leprechauns or “being lucky”

• Using accents or jokes about how people talk

• Turning it into “all green, all day” with no real meaning

• Saying a culture is “better” or “more fun” than another

Instead, try:

• “This month we’re learning about Irish American traditions like music, storytelling, and community.”

• “Different families celebrate in different ways, and that’s okay.” #EarlyChildhoodEducation

What are easy Irish American Heritage Month activities for preschool and daycare?

Here are classroom-tested ideas that are simple to run and work across ages (with small changes).

1) Shamrock shapes and sorting (math + fine motor)

• Provide paper shamrocks in different sizes and shades of green

• Children sort by size, shade, or number of points

• Count them together: “How many shamrocks?”

2) “Green in nature” scavenger hunt (science + language)

• Walk outside or look around the room

• Find green items (leaves, plants, a green crayon)

• Talk about new words: “bright,” “dark,” “soft,” “smooth”

3) Celtic-style patterns (art + focus)

• Show simple knot-like lines or repeating patterns

• Let children make patterns using:

  • yarn on paper with glue

  • strip paper weaves

  • stamp patterns with sponges

4) Irish music and movement (gross motor + listening)

• Play gentle Irish folk music (instrumental is great)

• Do a movement game:

  • slow = tiptoe

  • medium = march

  • fast = jump in place

5) Rainbow collaboration mural (teamwork + color learning)

• Give each child one color strip to paint or collage

• Put them together as one big rainbow

• Talk about teamwork: “We made one picture together!”

Tip: If your group includes children with different learning needs, build supports like picture directions and choices. For more ideas : Irish American Heritage Month Activities

How can I make these activities work for mixed ages (toddlers to school-age)?

You can use the same theme, but change the “level.”

For toddlers (simple + sensory):

• Tear green paper and glue it onto a shamrock outline

• Shake green and gold sensory bottles

• Dance with scarves to music

For preschool (hands-on learning):

• Sort, count, and graph shamrocks

• Make pattern strips (ABAB, AABB)

• Retell a short story using picture cards

For school-age (more thinking + leadership):

• Create a mini “culture poster” with 3 facts (music, symbol, place)

• Make a simple map activity (Ireland vs. the United States)

• Lead a group game or teach a younger buddy

What are circle time ideas for Irish American Heritage Month?

Circle time should stay short and calm—especially for preschoolers.

Try this 8–10 minute plan:

1. Hello song

2. One picture + one sentence

3. Quick question

4. Movement or fingerplay

5. Closing message

Circle time starters (simple scripts):

• “This month we are learning about Irish American heritage.”

• “Heritage means family traditions and stories.”

• “We can learn about many cultures with kindness.” #IrishAmericanHeritageMonth

Easy circle time activities:

• Picture talk: Show a picture of Irish dancing, Irish instruments, or a green countryside. Ask: “What do you see?”

• Sound game: Tap a small drum or rhythm sticks. Copy simple rhythms (tap-tap-pause).

• Kindness link: “How can we make our classroom feel like a caring community today?”

What books should I use for Irish American Heritage Month?

Books are one of the best ways to keep cultural learning respectful. Choose stories that feel warm, real, and age-appropriate.

Look for:

• Irish folktales (retold for children)

• Stories about Irish immigration told gently

• Books about Irish music, dance, or storytelling

• Picture books that show Irish American families and communities

Reading tips that help all learners (including non-native English speakers):

• Pre-teach 2–3 words (example: “tradition,” “music,” “dance”)

• Use picture walks: “Let’s look at the pictures first”

• Ask simple questions:

  • “Who is in the story?”

  • “Where are they?”

  • “What happened first?”

How do I include families in a warm, low-pressure way?

Family connection makes heritage months more meaningful—when it is optional and respectful.

Try:

• A short note home: “We are learning about Irish American heritage in March. Families are welcome to share a song, story, recipe, or photo only if you want.”

• A “family traditions wall” where any culture can be shared

• A classroom playlist where families suggest music (any language is welcome)

What training can help teachers do culture celebrations the right way?

If you want to feel more confident planning culture-based activities in a respectful, inclusive way, these ChildCareEd trainings fit this topic well:

• Strength in Differences: Cultural Diversity

• Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Education

• Cultures in the Classroom

These courses support the big goal behind heritage months: helping children learn respect, fairness, and curiosity.

Where can I find a related ChildCareEd article for more ideas?

For a closely connected seasonal tie-in (colors, movement, and classroom-friendly fun), you can also use this related ChildCareEd article as a springboard: https://www.childcareed.com/a/st-patrick-s-day-activities-for-kids.html